Difference between revisions of "Grahamstown Festival"
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Since its inception, it has always been officially named according to its sponsor at the particular time, e.g. the [[Five Roses National Arts Festival]] – between 19**- 19**, the [[Standard Bank National Arts Festival]] – from 19** -) | Since its inception, it has always been officially named according to its sponsor at the particular time, e.g. the [[Five Roses National Arts Festival]] – between 19**- 19**, the [[Standard Bank National Arts Festival]] – from 19** -) | ||
| − | + | = History = | |
The Festival began in 1974 as a project of the [[1820 Settlers Foundation]] (later called the [[Grahamstown Foundation]]) and has since grown to be one of the leading arts festivals in southern Africa and in the world. In 2002, the Festival was renamed the [[National Arts Festival]], Grahamstown and is now an independent Section 21 company. Its objectives are to deliver excellence; encourage innovation and development in the arts by providing a platform for both established and emerging South African artists; create opportunities for collaboration with international artists; and build new audiences. | The Festival began in 1974 as a project of the [[1820 Settlers Foundation]] (later called the [[Grahamstown Foundation]]) and has since grown to be one of the leading arts festivals in southern Africa and in the world. In 2002, the Festival was renamed the [[National Arts Festival]], Grahamstown and is now an independent Section 21 company. Its objectives are to deliver excellence; encourage innovation and development in the arts by providing a platform for both established and emerging South African artists; create opportunities for collaboration with international artists; and build new audiences. | ||
Revision as of 16:33, 13 June 2016
NEEDS EDITING AND MUCH MORE DETAIL The annual National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (also known by its acronym, NAF), or more colloquially referred to as the Grahamstown Festival) is the largest arts festival in Africa and one of the largest in the world.
Since its inception, it has always been officially named according to its sponsor at the particular time, e.g. the Five Roses National Arts Festival – between 19**- 19**, the Standard Bank National Arts Festival – from 19** -)
Contents
History
The Festival began in 1974 as a project of the 1820 Settlers Foundation (later called the Grahamstown Foundation) and has since grown to be one of the leading arts festivals in southern Africa and in the world. In 2002, the Festival was renamed the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and is now an independent Section 21 company. Its objectives are to deliver excellence; encourage innovation and development in the arts by providing a platform for both established and emerging South African artists; create opportunities for collaboration with international artists; and build new audiences.
Projects
Main Festival
The Fringe
Other sub-festivals and events
Think!Fest is a series of panel discussions and debates held as part of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
Venues
The 1820 Settlers Monument
Also referred to as the 1820 Settlers National Monument, this is a memorial with a purpose The Monument was built to commemorate the contributions made by English-speaking Settlers to South Africa. It is unlike any other monument because, since its opening on 13 July 1974, this superbly equipped building has been a centre of creative thought and activity.
The Monument has become a meeting place for all South Africans. It was built to commemorate a worthy heritage and to encourage us to look forward with hope.
Amid reminders of the past, the building provides facilities for use by all South Africans, in particular activities which encourage the ideals of freedom of speech, social interaction and the use of English as a contact language.
This concept of a living Monument led to the establishment of highly successful educational and cultural projects. The Monument is now used by well over 200 000 people a year from all South African groups.
The 1820 Settlers Monument Theatre or Guy Butler Theatre
Rebuilt after the fire it was renamed the Guy Butler Theatre
This is one of the largest theatres in South Africa, with excellent acoustics, computerised lighting equipment, comfortable seating for 939, air conditioning and an orchestra pit to accommodate an orchestra of 50. Seating is flexible, thus there is Theatre Seating: 939 Dinners/Restaurant style seating: 400, Cocktails parties, etc : 1000, Orchestra pit for orchestra of 50
Awards at the Festival
Ovation Awards
Awards given to productions on the Festival Fringe.
Sources
http://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Arts_Festival
Boltt J. Fire damage to the 1820 Settlers' National Monument. Grahamstown Foundation Media Office, April, 1996.
Butler G. 1820 Settlers Monument Neville, T. More lasting than bronze: a story of 1820 Settlers.
(NELM)
For more information
See http://www.foundation.org.za/monument/index.php
See also the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Arts_Festival
See also Festival and Grahamstown Foundation
Return to
Return to South African Festivals and Competitions
Return to South_African_Films
Return to South African Stage Plays
Return to South African Radio Plays and Serials
Return to South African Television Plays and Series
Return to The ESAT Entries
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