THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has committed itself to creating a supportive environment for local artists to develop and prosper, especially following the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This commitment was made during an arts indaba held at the Mendi Arts Centre in New Brighton at which various stakeholders from the arts and culture sector engaged in robust discussions to reflect on the impact of the pandemic and the critical issues that continue to face the sector in NMB.
Welcoming the artists to the two-day event, NMBM portfolio head for sport, recreation, arts and culture, Councillor Bassie Kamana, said that it was critical for the city to consult the arts and culture sector to avoid implementing plans that were not addressing the needs of the affected artists.
“Our commitment is based on the belief that NMB artists should not feel the need to leave our Friendly City to search for greener pastures as if though there were no opportunities here. We have a mandate to work with them, to develop them and to ensure that they prosper because the arts and culture sector plays a crucial role in our society, including economically,” Kamana said.
During the two-day indaba, which ended on Thursday, March 10, artists will receive a briefing on the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, which will take place in September, the 30th edition of the SPLASH Festival and research on money matters within the industry.
“It is very important for local government to hear the issues from the artists themselves and form relations with them, so that way we reduce the threat of protest action and keep each other accountable on promises made by all parties.
“This is not the first such event we have held as the city and so we will also be reporting back on issues discussed last year and give progress reports,” Kamana added.
Poet Lelethu Mahambehlala, affectionately known as PoeticSoul, said she was hopeful that constructive resolutions would come out of the indaba to forge a productive way forward, as the sector had not recovered from the pandemic.
“We as artists really felt neglected during the pandemic. We understand that other matters needed to be prioritised, but we felt left behind while the pandemic continued to affect us financially due to the regulations. However, from this week’s session we really look forward to discussions that will yield positive results, not only for us as artists, but also for NMB residents as our work provides life and healing to others,” Mahambehlala said.
– ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY BY COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGEMENT OFFICER, MAMELA NDAMASE
