South African Arts Festivals Seek Clarity from Minister McKenzie on Funding Concerns
A collective of South African arts festivals, including the Joy of Jazz and Suidoosterfees, has voiced concerns following statements made by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie regarding festival funding. The festivals are seeking clarity and constructive engagement with the government to ensure the future of the sector, particularly after a year of funding uncertainty.
Festivals Request Engagement and Clarification
The collective, represented by National Arts Festival Board chairperson Professor Siphiwo Mahala, has sent a letter to Minister McKenzie requesting an urgent meeting. Their aim is to clarify funding policies, rebuild trust, and ensure the needs of artists and communities benefiting from the economic impact of these events are addressed in current and future budget cycles. The festivals emphasize they are not seeking confrontation but wish to "set the record straight" about their sector's future.
Minister McKenzie's Concerns and Festival Response
Minister McKenzie previously stated that there was a sense of entitlement among art festivals regarding funding. He highlighted the Cape Town International Jazz Festival as an example, stating it received R3 million in funding during the 2019-20 financial year but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He questioned whether the funding was returned, given that the event didn't take place. In response, the collective asserts that all public funding is subject to rigorous reporting, with tranches released only after satisfactory documentation, including annual financial statements.
The Impact of Festivals and Covid-19 Response
The collective emphasized the vital role art festivals played during the Covid-19 pandemic. They pivoted to online events, in-home residencies, webinars, and workshops to keep artists and audiences connected and to provide income during a financially devastating period. These efforts ensured that artists could continue working and engaging with audiences despite lockdown restrictions. Festivals are supported by a mix of donors, private sector partners, development agencies, and the government.
Economic and Cultural Significance
The economic and cultural impact of festivals is significant. The festivals state that in 2024/25, four major arts festivals alone presented 761 works across 2380 performances, directly employing more than 6000 artists and paying more than R34 million in fees. These works often tour other festivals and theatres, providing further jobs and opportunities. KKNK chairperson Christo van der Rheede recalled former President Nelson Mandela's visit in 2001, highlighting the ability of festivals to bring people together.
Importance of Government Support
CEO of Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi) Cornelia Faasen, emphasized the importance of government support for the arts, stating that national policy and funding remain essential for sustaining the sector, supporting livelihoods, and enabling innovation and cultural exchange across the country. While the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has acknowledged receiving the letter, the collective is still awaiting an invitation to meet with Minister McKenzie.
