THE NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Returning to the stage: National Arts Festival lifts the curtains post-pandemic
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fter two years, the National Arts Festival has returned with filled venues celebrating South African arts. The pandemic saw the festival postponed for two years, and when organisers announced its return, it was under regulations that capped capacity at 50%. However, a repeal of COVID-19 restrictions shortly before the festival saw venues filled to capacity, with the celebration of South African arts hailed as a great success. BACK TO THE BUSINESS OF ART Festival CEO, Monica Newton, said that while organisers were unsure what to expect after a two-year hiatus, it became evident that art lovers were ready to get back into theatres and galleries. “The arts community couldn't be more happy to be back on stage with a live audience. Everyone is
feeling positive that the arts will thrive again,” said Ms Newton. The sector was hit hard during the pandemic and the festival provided a platform for recovery for artists in the Eastern Cape. “Our creative industries have felt the worst of the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic and it is with great pleasure that we welcome our patrons back to salute the courage and perseverance of the South African arts community,” festival organisers said. Eastern Cape Acting Arts and Culture MEC, Siphokazi Mani Lusithi, said the amount of creative talent this province has produced remains unmatched. “I will be the first to admit though that most of this talent leaves the province for greener pastures elsewhere. Our task as the government of the Eastern Cape, working together with various stakeholders, is to nurture and support this creative potential
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and position the Eastern Cape as truly the creative home of the country.” The pandemic was a blow to the festival. It not only affected arts creation and performance production, but it had an impact on travel, hospitality and technical services in Makhanda. The National Arts Festival has long been a highlight on South Africa’s cultural calendar and showcases work across a range of disciplines. This is a festival that encourages range, versatility and innovation. Its home has been in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape since 1974 and for decades the Monument has been a place where people from different walks of life gather to celebrate the arts. “As the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent, its importance as a space for artists and audiences to come together,
