PHILIPPI ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRE

Alan Fleming of the Philippi Business Place was referred to Angela Muspratt-Williams of the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) as a social entrepreneur who could provide some advice on the development of a social enterprise hub in Philippi, Cape Town. During the initial meeting Alan on 30 August 2011 explained the concept behind the proposed business park sharing pictures of the artist’s impression of the completed complex. The aim of the site was to provide integrated services which will grow the surrounding communities in addition to supporting local entrepreneurs.

The second phase of the project was the development of the old warehouse. Several sectors such as IT were approached concerning the development of the building. Alan enquired whether the performing arts community would be interested in the development of a facility to support the development of arts and culture organisations. This was seen as an opportunity to address several needs – the need for credible performance venues in the townships to showcase emerging artists, access to administrative, technical and creative support for performances as well as a central place to support the development of arts organisations.

At the second meeting on 20 September, Alan indicated an interest in exploring a partnership with arts and cultural organisations. A list of stakeholders was compiled for Alan to approach with the project. Angela assisted with providing introductions and informing people of the project. Alan arranged a meeting with a representative of the donor to review the indeas generated in the first two meetings. The donor was interested in the proposal and it was suggested to consult with stakeholders regarding the feasibility of developing an arts and culture centre in Philippi.

It was decided to run a focus group with selected stakeholders to test the feasibility of establishing an arts and culture centre. This was to avoid raising expectations in the local industry should it be decided not to continue with the project. A focus group was organised on 20 October with selected industry practitioners to introduce the concept and establish whether to proceed and the issues to be considered. A total of 30 people were invited to the first meeting of which 20 people attended. During the meeting it was agreed that there was a need for such a facility. It was proposed that it needed to accommodate all arts forms, including visual art, craft and film, the building must become sustainable in terms of income generation but remain accessible for emerging groups. PANSA commited itself to minute meetings and keep all interested people informed of the progress of the project.

A second meeting was organised for 3 November 2011. During the meetings the participants were requested to compile ideas on the vision of the building, facilities to be included, support services necessary for the success of the building and income streams. PANSA collated the responses in preparation for the meeting. The second meet confirmed the intention to proceed with the development of the building and that the process needed to be opened to the wider arts community. The submissions were reviewed and it was agreed to form task teams to address the specific issues to be addressed in the development of the centre. The third meeting is scheduled for 21 November 2011.

Who was present: