Mary Slack 

CHAIRMAN: BUSINESS & ARTS SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA IS INDEED ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITY, and nowhere is this more evident than within the arts and cultural sector. These are exciting times as, moving beyond their powerful role in the struggle for liberation, the arts revision themselves within our new nation.  

What then are the arts in a country such as ours, facing the challenges of a growing socio-economic divide; of the HIV/AIDS pandemic; of inequities in education and rural/urban development, and their attendant effects. Based on our experience at Business & Arts South Africa, we know the arts to be opportunity, entertainment, identity, economic driver, and a fundamental part of education, skills development, urban and rural regeneration. And, simply, art for arts’ sake … As President Mbeki said in 1996: ”The arts are part of the phenomenon of human existence described as culture, which constitutes the barrier that blocks your path and mine towards regress to the ways of the beastly world. Their practice is not a luxury reserved for the idle rich, but an affirmation that our humanity presents a call to individuals and societies to a form of behaviour which must respect the individuality of each person and the humanity of all.”

The arts are not something we should ignore, something to take into account only once we have solved more pressing social needs. They are deeply knit into the fabric of all our lives: they are where we meet each other, both literally and figuratively. While often regarded as the soft side of economic development, quality of life is integral to growth. As Ireland, with its strategic focus on becoming a centre for arts, artists and culture, proves. Our cities are beginning to embrace cultural development, encouraging artists to live and work within the city centre, driving regeneration of once abandoned places and spaces. Towns and villages are proudly revisiting their many cultures - from Clanwilliam to Upington, Reitz to Richtersfeld, there is a groundswell of interest in local heritage and contemporary cultural activity.

As part of the broader picture, the arts are key to the development of tourism, both in terms of attracting the foreign visitor and introducing South Africans to their own country. And this is key to the development of our economy. Where else does one experience the sheer range available to us? Take, for example, dance: in any one year, South Africa offers Zindala Zombili, a richly spectacular celebration of indigenous African traditional dance, alongside Dance Umbrella, a showcase of new contemporary choreography, alongside seasons of classical ballet. All of this reflects our richness, our people.

In real terms, one has only to look at the impact arts festivals have on local economies. In many cases, such events have provided the necessary kick-start for small businesses such as B&B’s, catering companies, security firms and, in one instance, waste removal services. While entertaining, they challenge and inform the audience; they offer hands-on training for aspirant performers, waiters, ushers and technicians; and they create employment. The burgeoning craft market remains the single largest employer of rural women, many of whom are the sole breadwinner for extended families. It has been proven that children of all ages involved in arts or cultural programmes improve school performance overall - music in particular helps young people with mathematics; through reading, literacy and general knowledge is developed; through performance, confidence grows. Children acquire self-discipline and learn to work as part of a team.  Importantly, their eyes are opened to what is possible in life - new worlds open.

Increasingly we see our artists - painters, sculptors, choreographers, dancers, musicians, singers, storytellers, playwrights and filmmakers, and those behind the scenes - in demand both here and internationally, reflecting a wave of talent, a tide of energy and superb, professional quality. These are our voices, the voice of contemporary South Africa.

“To say that I shall develop economically today, tomorrow politically and the day after culturally will be to commit a costly mistake.”

HAJAT MUKWAY

AT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE ON

CULTURAL POLICIES IN DEVELOPMENT, STOCKHOLM 1998