Despite abundant talent, municipalities in the Free State are stifling creativity by politicising arts and restricting access to halls for rehearsal spaces, according to a damning assessment by the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF).
The findings emerged after the SAACYF in the Free State conducted oversight visits to municipalities across the province to assess the state of arts development and cultural infrastructure.
“We condemn the blatant neglect of arts in municipalities by politicians who claim to represent the community. These officials, responsible for managing halls and cultural spaces, are instead stifling creativity and talent,” said Lekgutsa Mbele, provincial chairperson.
Mbele described their actions as tantamount to cultural vandalism, prioritising personal interests over community development. An investigation revealed systemic problems affecting artists’ access to public venues and performance spaces.
In the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, specifically the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre – a vital performance venue in Welkom – has been closed for more than eight years. Artists in this municipality are struggling to access 11 municipal halls due to politics and favouritism, including venues such as the Phillip Smith Hall, the Indoor Sports Centre and the Odendaalsrus Community Hall.
The prolonged closure of the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre has created a significant gap in cultural infrastructure, forcing local artists to seek alternative venues or abandon projects altogether. The lack of accessible rehearsal and performance spaces has particularly affected emerging artists who cannot afford private venues.
The SAACYF’s key demands include the immediate reopening of the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre and ensuring access to all municipal halls.
The organisation is calling for an end to the politicisation of arts whilst demanding prioritised access to rehearsal spaces for local artists.
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