KZN arts organisations receive help from BASA members

For NCP Alcohols, a Durban-based company that supplies high quality fermentation alcohol for the South African and international markets, a three-year partnership with Flatfoot Dance Company to support its dance education and development programmes in KwaMashu, Umlazi and Durban is part of its social development mandate.

"We want to be part of the drive in SA to support the arts to bring about change in the way we work, live and play as South Africans. The arts bring hope, freedom and a sense of achievement that cannot be bought," says Peter Starling, MD at NCP Alcohols. The company's engagement with partners through its CSI is configured around keeping the focus on the beneficiaries. This is especially important in NCP Alcohols' three main areas of focus - education, safety and the environment in schools and communities.

Support saved theatre from closure

This close-working relationship is echoed in the long-standing relationship between another new BASA member, RAINBOW and the Catalina Theatre. Catalina director, Themi Venturas, says RAINBOW stepped in to save the theatre from closure in 2009 by paying its debt and financially supporting the theatre on a monthly basis in order to facilitate its continued operation. This initial step then moved into an ongoing relationship where RAINBOW has a mentoring role within the Catalina as well as assisting with the strategic planning of the theatre.

"We regard the arts as an important contributor to a balanced society and thus the development of both an appreciation for the arts as well as this talent is seen as vital," says Miles Dally CEO of RAINBOW.