The Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) has launched a multi-year artistic programming spanning three financial years. This approach is aimed at achieving sustainability and consistency as far as scheduling shows is concerned, while creating a platform for artists to express their creativity.
Meshack Xaba, Artistic Director at PACOFS, said: “By developing a 3-year Artistic Programme, we are better placed to ensure that there is constant activity in-house, that talented creatives are afforded opportunities to showcase their works and can benefit financially from doing so, and that community interest in performing arts progresses.”
Xaba further stated that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, PACOFS will keep looking for innovative ways to nurture the local creative economy and provide opportunities to artists. Among its initiatives is the annual incubator programme, now in its fifth year running. This year, the Artistic Incubator Programme targets community theatre groups across the Free State.
“The intention is to facilitate artistic skills development and enhance the quality of actors, writers and directors in the province, particularly in townships and disadvantaged communities, by creating a nurturing environment and enabling access to industry professionals assigned by PACOFS to drive this initiative,” stated Xaba.
Artists have until 4 October 2021 to submit their proposals for consideration by the Artistic Adjudication Panel if they are to make it into the multi-year programming calendar. Meanwhile, PACOFS has since issued calls for industry professionals interested in serving in the artistic panel for the next three years to apply. Listed requirements include a post-matric qualification in fields related to the performing arts, a letter of motivation, a comprehensive CV as well as more than five years of experience in the industry and an understanding of different genres, such as comedy, dance and poetry.
For more information, visit www.pacofs.co.za
Also published on Medium.
