APPROVAL FOR 3-YEAR SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT FOR JAZZ AGAINST APARTHEID FESTIVAL IN THE EASTERN CAPE
The Homecoming Tour of 2022 was a first for South Africa from many perspectives and year 1 of a multiyear, momentum building initiative. In 2023 Jazz Against Apartheid cultural festival continues the momentum in skills -transfer, knowledge exchange, collaboration and performance as a bridge in the gaps between geography, economy and history in Europe and Africa.
Jazz Against Apartheid has proven itself to be a multipurpose sustainable event. This is demonstrated by the wide cooperation and great interest among political, administrative and civil society decision makers, musicians, music educators and enthusiasts to retain this event long-term in the Eastern Cape for the purpose of a varied skills development and stimulus within the creative industries economy. Due to popular demand, the festival intends to expand through new partnerships and support to include:
a.) Business Seminar: on-the-job-training, skill transfer and business development, particularly in the technological arts of event production.
b.) Beyond Exile Exhibition: Helping to profile the untold stories and the unsung heroes of South African liberation heritage.
c.) Legends of South African Music: Open stages at our partner venues Gompo Arts Center and Steve Biko Centre.
d.) A platform to grow this vision together to the 30 years of democracy celebration in 2024 as the Jazz Against Apartheid solidarity movement united cities all over the world – Frankfurt, London, Copenhagen, Zurich, Stockholm, New York, Brussels, Warsaw through arts, culture and activism in exile.
Executive for Economic Development Coordination & Sector Support Unit Ms Laura Peinke confirmed that Eastern Cape Development Corporation will continue their noted support of this international event. She wrote: “The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) hereby confirms that it approves the in- principle funding of R150,000.00 per annum for the next three years (2023/24 to 2025/26) for the sponsorship and support of the Jazz Against Apartheid festival.
“In addition to this, ECDC would like to commit to an additional R85,000.00 contribution to the 2023/24 event for skills and training initiatives linked to upliftment of youth and unemployed in the province with relevance to the arts and culture sector. This can be discussed in more detail with you and your organisation as to how this is implemented to ensure the highest economic value.
“The ongoing funding commitment is contingent on ECDC receiving a feedback report indicating the economic impact of the JAA festival including positive business (MSMEs) impact, employment created and anticipated revenue generation in lieu of attendance and spend.”
