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FynArts looking forward to 2020
Matters of the Heart
Writer Hedda Mittner
75th birthday.
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One of the main objectives of FynArts is to have relevance for the wider community and to initiate projects to stimulate and develop the arts in under-served local communities, said Mary. Which is why she was excited to give feedback on Phase 1 of a new initiative – the FynArts Music Project for pre-school and primary school children and teachers, facilitated by Axolile Hoza, the artistic director of the Handevat music development project in Kleinmond. This FynArts music project now operates in three pre-schools and one primary school in Zwelihle.
n enthusiastic group of FynArts Festival supporters attended the annual general meeting last week, where feedback was given on this year’s festival, followed by a quick peep at next year’s programme. While the 2019 festival showed a 16% increase in ticket sales, the costs had also gone up, resulting in a smaller increase in revenue. With the ticket sales having surpassed the R1 million mark, VAT will have to be paid next year but auditor, Juan Pieterse cautioned that the extra 15% could not be added to the ticket prices, which are already at the high end of the scale. The need is therefore greater than ever before for sponsorships and additional income streams to ensure the sustainability of the festival. In her festival director’s report, Mary Faure said there were more events on the 2019 programme than ever before and she was pleased that the ‘winter school’ component of the festival was doing so well and showed potential for growth. “We had about the same number of music concerts but more talks, demonstrations and workshops, which were very well supported. More children’s events were offered, and the art and wine tour through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley was also very popular, so we’ll continue with those next year.” The 2020 FynArts Festival will wow audiences with a Beethoven concert on the opening night, and performances by Emo Adams, Dance4All, Richard Cock and the FynArts orchestra, amongst others. Mary added that she would be talking to Darryl David, who facilitated the Overstrand’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, to share ideas and form collaborations. New options will be explored for the food and wine events on the programme, including the Wine Plus series and chefs’ demos. A special lunch for Fathers' Day is also on the cards. The recipient of next year’s FynArts Legacy Award will be opera legend, Angelo Gobbato, who has been an advisor to FynArts since inception. Gobatto’s name is synonymous with opera in Cape Town and, apart from being an operatic baritone, he’s had a distinguished career as an opera director, Head of the UCT Opera School and Artistic Director of CAPAB. Angelo has received many prestigious awards both locally and internationally and last year published a book, A Passion for Opera to coincide with his
In conclusion, Mary said it’s been a tough year and that in the current economic climate businesses are battling and cutting down on advertising and sponsorships. Getting the festival onto a sustainable footing remains a challenge. One way in which everyone can support this important festival is by becoming a Friend of FynArts. All Friends of FynArts receive the following benefits: • Priority booking for themselves for all the events in advance of the general public • A free ticket to any one of the events in the Strauss & Co series of talks and presentations held at the Municipal Auditorium, The Marine, Windsor Hotel and Harbour House • An invitation to the welcome cocktail party before the Opening Concert • A special invitation to the Annual General Meeting • An invitation to exclusive Friends events during the year • All Friends are listed on the Friends page at hermanusfynarts.co.za The annual cost of becoming a Friend is R300 (single) or R500 (couple). For corporate Friends the annual contribution is R1 000 (the benefits are the same but extend to two representatives). To become a Lifetime Friend entails a once-off, life-time contribution of R3 000 (single); R5 000 (couple); or R10 000 (business). Once again, the same benefits apply, but in addition to these, Lifetime Friends receive a free pass to all events in the Strauss & Co series of talks and presentations held at the Municipal Auditorium, The Marine, Windsor Hotel and Harbour House. Lifetime Friends will also receive an invitation to an exclusive lunch. To become a Friend please contact the coordinator of Friends of FynArts, Joanna Hardie at joanna@hardie. co.za or FynArts Administrative Coordinator, Chantel Louskitt at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371.
Niki Daly with Paddy Bouma who opened his exhibition at the FynArts Gallery. PHOTO: Elaine Davie An exhibition by Niki Daly which opened at the FynArts Gallery in Hermanus this past Saturday is titled ‘Matters of the Heart’. An internationally recognised children’s book writer and illustrator (indeed he has recently been nominated for the premier Hans Christian Andersen prize for children’s literature), this is Niki’s first solo art exhibition. As his long-time friend and former colleague, Paddy Bouma articulated when opening the exhibition, Niki has had many incarnations and all of them are reflected in this exhibition. From songwriter/musician to university lecturer, to publisher, to children’s book illustrator/writer, to origami artist, everything Niki has tackled has been done with child-
like enthusiasm. This mixed-media exhibition reflects his life of passion, most of it in miniaturised form. Even the found frames he uses are unique, having been specially chosen to enhance individual paintings. Attracting particular attention at this exhibition are his painted wall plates. A watercolour effect has been created using ceramic oxides applied with pen and brush. As pointed out by Paddy, his work dances, floats, flies and plays games, at the same time reflecting a poignancy and deep sense of humanity. In Niki’s own words, “I am incurably curious, so who knows what’s next.” The exhibition continues at the FynArts Gallery until 4 January 2020.
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Normally they lie under the table. Now they’re on top!
