Business and arts come together in perfect harmony
Guests at this years' Basa Awards were treated to an experience from the moment they arrived at the venue with memorable performances throughout the park itself.
The 20th Business and Arts Awards (Basa) ceremony was held at Nirox Sculpture Park on Sunday, 17 September and the event reaffirmed the notion that businesses and the arts – two entities at different ends of the spectrum – can support each other’s endeavours with ease.
The day’s experience was inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Disruption’, set against the stunning backdrop of the Khatlhampi Private Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind. Some of the greatest creations of this year’s participants were also exhibited.
These prestigious awards honour exceptional projects that demonstrate the positive and sustainable impact of dynamic business and arts partnerships.
Winners in this years’ award categories provided inspiring and compelling insights into the role that the arts play in connecting people and enabling transformation – and the different ways that business can support this.
“The awards this year demonstrate great partnerships and the power of ongoing sustainability,” said Michelle Constant, CEO of Basa.
“Once again, it highlighted the absolute need to ensure that the arts remain integral to our society – growing both cultural capital and social engagement.”
Tim Cohen, editor of Business Day said the “originality manifested in the arts is both an inspiration to business people and an articulate demonstration of how creativity can enhance human interaction and social collaboration. Tonight has showcased just how successfully this can be done”.
Guests at this years’ awards were treated to an experience from the moment they arrived at the venue with memorable performances throughout the park itself.
At the entrance of the park, Buskaid musicians played the newest pop songs on string instruments such as the violin and the cello.
Moving Into Dance Maphatong showcased their incredible talents on a piece of open grassland. It started raining, but this did not stop the performers from showing the world what they can do. Olifantland also hosted a special performance with their mechanical elephants.
In a natural amphitheatre in the Nirox forest, the Vuyani Dance Company performed their contemporary dance piece, and with the rattling of leaves in the rain, the atmosphere was enhanced substantially.
Even the awards were handed over in true artistic fashion, with dancers performing short dance pieces while the recipients received their awards.
Michelle said the event was perfectly planned to entertain the spectators and to celebrate 20 years of Basa awards.
“Today was a fitting and fabulous event for an organisation with 20 years under its belt,” said Michelle.
Here are the Basa Award winners:
Innovation Awards:
Friends of Johannesburg Art Gallery for their Project – The Evidence of Things Not Seen exhibition and Visible Tones online and social media public participation project.
First Time Sponsor Award:
Flanagan and Gerard Investments (Pty) Ltd – Springs Mall Artwork Project
Increasing Access to the Arts Award:
SA Taxi Foundation – SA Taxi Foundation Art Awards
Beyond Borders Partnership Award:
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited – Henri Matisse: Rhythm and Meaning Exhibition
Long Term Partnership Award:
Sasol – Sasol New Signatures
Media Sponsorship Awards:
M-Net and DStv – The Cape Town Carnival
Strategic Project Award:
GE Africa Innovation Centre – GE Africa Innovation Centre Localised and Industrial Design
Small Business Award:
Mathews and Associates Architects – Cool Capital #saadjies
Sponsorship in Kind Award:
Classic FM South Africa – The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble Annual Concert at the Linder Auditorium
Development Award:
Rand Merchant Bank – Kickstarter Creative Arts Project
Cultural Tourism Award, Sponsored by Nedbank:
Gooderson Kloppenheim Country Estate Hotel – My Body, My Space Public Arts Festival 2016
View all the pics here
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