address to arts graduates

Address to the graduates of the 2012 City of Cape Town Arts Training Programme

I was honoured to be asked to address the graduates from the accredited arts training programme run by the City of Cape Town. 

Congratulations on the completion of your courses.

Today I would like to talk about the importance of such programmes which skill and nurture people to enter the arts in a more professional manner. We need people to work towards a unified industry where there is an agreement on what we want to accomplish and agree on a code of ethical conduct and good practice. You have the skills and opportunities to make such a contribution towards this industry.

The arts industry is both a wonderful and frustrating sector which has the potential to transform society. The arts are fundamental in developing new ways of thought and interpretation and imagining the way we want our world to be. The arts provide the nation with its identity, passion and soul. It helps us to express ourselves and to come together to be proud of our country and our culture. It is that undefinable ingredient that moves us from survival to a life of infinite possibilities - the difference between a pencil sketch and a full blown multimedia spectacular.

Given that there are some curious conversations about the arts which affects our ability to grow and be recognised. One is that the arts do not have any value because there is no direct economic benefit; hence the reference to the creative industries or arts industries in an effort to gain recognition. There is also the idea that anyone can “do” the arts and that it is some form of recreation. However the same people will also complain about the lack of world class talent in South Africa.

People are ignoring the tile, skill and investment needed to grow the arts and an industry. This is where courses such as this and accredited training is vital in building a South African arts industry. We need professionals, who can efficiently create and present the arts; who can move us away from the debate to celebrating our world class artists. We need you to present South African art in a manner which generates the recognition of our talent, personal enjoyment and enrichment which in turn nurtures the income and business structure. This is a huge request of you but by successfully implementing your training you will be doing this and so much more.

Thank you for inviting me to your graduation. I am looking forward to observing your growing contribution towards the South African arts industry.

What is Culture?

We are starting to build Encore into a business and are working with a consultant on a marketing plan. When asked about our focus we said the performing arts. What was interesting was the assumption that this was the formal disciplines such as classical music, opera and ballet offered in the formal theatres. We were asked "what about the rich culture in the townships?" In my mind that is included in performing arts. Our challenge is to find the artists and include their events in the diary.

It got me thinking about our perceptions of the performing arts and culture as something separate and something that is "good for you". A bit like having to take horrible tasting medicine because "its good for you". But culture and performances are part of our identity and found in public spaces, community halls and any place where people come together to celebrate. Instead of seeing the performing arts as a luxury, it should be a part of our daily lives, something that is easily accessible. I was reading a document where there was the statement "the pleasure of the arts can not be restricted to a priveleged few". Hear, hear we all need more beauty in our lives.

If anyone knows of artists and events,especially grassroots events, send us an email (paul@encoreonline.co.za) and we will gladly put it in the newsletter and on the web site. The deadline for the newsletter is the first Friday of the previous month but there is also the calendar for events planned well in advance so people can get extra notice of forthcoming events.
See ya at the "theatre"!