Nicola Danby
(19**-) Arts administrator and curator.
Biography
She received a BA degree from the University of Cape Town, before travelling and working abroad for 10 years.
Returning to South Africa, she worked at Natal Newspapers and then moved to the Durban Arts Association, a community-focused organisation funded by the then City of Durban, as administrator and editor of d'Arts magazine.
Contribution to South African theatre and performance
In 1987 she became Manager of the Vita Awards programme responsible for the development and growth of initiatives such as the Dance Umbrella, Vita Art Now and Vita Craft Now.
In 1997 Danby was appointed CEO of the newly launched BASA, a joint initiative of the Department of Arts and Culture and the business sector, mandated to develop and promote mutually beneficial and sustainable business-arts partnerships. During her tenure, BASA became the country's major resource for corporate funding of arts and culture and initiated a range of programmes that continue today.
She served on the boards of various arts organisations and trusts, and the National Lotteries distributing agency for arts, culture and national heritage. Moving to the DRC, she was joint Officer in Charge of the British Council in Kinshasa. Danby currently freelances, consulting to arts organisations and corporations.
