Standard Bank re-affirms its commitment to making an impact through the National Arts Festival
With a relationship that spans over 37 years, Standard Bank and the National Arts Festival (NAF) have had a mutually beneficial relationship that has seen both parties witness many milestones and success stories that could have only been made possible by this iconic partnership.
This year, the NAF is back and taking place in its normal live format once again, for 11 days in the town of Makhanda in the Eastern Cape province.
Following a strategic review of the National Arts Festival (NAF) sponsorship, Standard Bank has refocused its involvement in the annual Makhanda event. While recommitting to the presenting sponsorship of the NAF and the headline sponsorships of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards and the Standard Bank Ovation Awards over the next 3 years, the bank has also confirmed that it will be exiting from the Jazz Festival and the Youth Jazz Festival.
“Our involvement in the arts is in line with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth. Through the sponsorship of NAF, we have contributed and continue to see the growth of the industry its participants and beneficiaries. We are evolving and adapting to the environment, to ensure our approach continues to have maximum impact in the arts” says Desiree Pooe, Head of Sponsorships at Standard Bank.
This year, Standard Bank looks forward to once again participating in a festival that is unrivalled in size, variety, and scope, a festival that offers an experience that can cater to all tastes regardless of gender, race, age, and income group. In addition, the festival offers specific platforms for Eastern Cape artists, presenting opportunities for the growth and development of the provincial art scene which is attracting larger numbers of local audiences.
The Standard Bank Young Artists Awards are presented by the NAF’s Artistic Committee to artists under the age of 35. The candidates need to have demonstrated considerable excellence and innovative talent worthy of being considered for such a prestigious award. A significant number of the previous recipients (such as the late Sibongile Khumalo, Dada Masilo, and William Kentridge) have gone on to pursue highly successful careers.
The Standard Bank Ovation Awards remain an anchor of the NAF experience for participating performers and artists. Initiated in 2010, the awards recognize excellence in the un-curated, fringe programme of the festival. Recipients of the awards are honoured for artistic innovation, exploration of new performance styles, and courage to open new conversations through the arts.
“We appreciate Standard Bank’s commitment and investment to the success of the NAF. They have played a key role in helping us stage successful events and unearth great talent over the past years and we look forward to partnering with them again”, says Monica Newton, Chief Executive Officer of the NAF.
The National Arts Festival in Makhanda will be taking place from the 23rd of June to the 3rd of July 2022.
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Discount for Standard Bank cardholders
Remember that all Standard Bank cardholders qualify for a discount of 20% when using a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card to purchase tickets. The discount is applicable to online purchases only. This offer will be available for a limited time and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
If you would like more information about this year’s festival visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za