TO Sesane Mabuza
Journalist: Mpumalanga News
FROM Sibongile Nkosi
Director of Communication
DATE 22 September 2014
SUBJECT RE: MEDIA ENQUIRY (CULTURAL HUB)
Culture, Sport and Recreation conducted a feasibility study in 2009/2010 in the three districts and produced a report on the establishment and viability of a Cultural Hub in White River. The concept was later transformed into a multi-facet structure to accommodate performing arts, visual arts and craft as well as film and video.
The Cultural Hub also responds to the national plan of Mzansi Golden Economy, which focuses on the development of the arts industry, while creating job opportunities. A reasonable number of potential permanent and temporary jobs will be realized during the construction phase and upon its completion. It also responds to the department’s mandate, which among others is to develop, promote and preserve the rich cultural diversity of the province.
The key objectives of the hub are to address the following:
- Promotion of arts and culture industries.
- Increased investment, job opportunities and economic growth through cultural tourism
- Preservation and celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the province.
- Stimulating creativity and skills development.
- Making Mpumalanga a preferred inland and international tourism destination.
How do they get to be part of it?
The facilities provided by the cultural hub, will be multi-discipline, that is, music and talent development, recordings, vocal training, theatre and platform for showcasing. Film, television and video productions - access to film producers and editing, training on-site as well as showcasing films produced in the province through festivals.
- Visual arts and crafts - access to high-tech equipment for training, business skills development and linkage to other markets.
- It will also have a reasonable capacity to host big festivals, which annually take place in the province.
Where are we now with regards to the preparations?
- The project is at a tender stage for the appointment of a building contractor
When exactly is it going to be up and running?
There is a great possibility for project to have phase 1, which is the construction of the performing art centre (Theatre) by the end of 2015/16. This is a multi-year project for 2015/16 to 2018/19.
In the mean time what should the arts be doing in preparation of the hub?
Artists are encouraged to continue utilise available opportunities in the province as the department creates a platforms in the various events it hosts and will also continuously coordinate capacity building workshops to ensure that the province has a growing and a sustainable creative industry.
At different levels artists shouldcontinue to build audience in preparation for the completion and utilization of the Cultural Hub
Should artists be excited about this?
It is given the province does not have a facility of this nature and artists have spoken and expressed a need for this kind of facility and government is delivering on their expectation. Yes, artists should be thrilled about the Cultural Hub Project.