DSAC has had a strategic partnership with BASA since 1997, a NPC to support the arts sector, specifically in relation to the DSAC funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme and Debut Programme which recently started in 2017. In the last 6 years the number of
DSAC has had a strategic partnership with BASA since 1997, a NPC to support the arts sector, specifically in relation to the DSAC funded BASA Supporting Grant Programme and Debut Programme which recently started in 2017. In the last 6 years the number of beneficiaries ranged from 63 in 2017 and 2019 to 99 in 2015 for the Supporting Grants Programme and declined from 197 in 2017 to 14 in 2019 for the Debut Programme. This study was intended assess the impact of DSAC funding to BASA in relation to the arts sector. However, methodological challenges were experienced in relation to beneficiary survey completion, with only 12 beneficiaries responding. The generalisability of the beneficiary survey results is therefore compromised.
In terms of the amount of DSAC funding allocated to BASA, there is a steady increase in relation to the overall annual allocation from R6 898 000 in 2014 to R8 946 000 in 2019 of the Supporting Grant Programme but a decline from R3 000 000 in 2017 to R1 000 000 in 2019 for the Debut Programme. Additionally, 3 personnel were employed on a permanent basis and 11 on a casual/ temporary basis (who were not volunteers) specifically to work on the DSAC funded BASA programmes. The organiser additionally outlined clear and objective criteria and processes to select beneficiaries.
In terms of the beneficiaries, they seem to be established in the arts sector, well educated, from different income levels and reflect a variety of arts sectors. All beneficiaries are currently in the arts sector. The funding received, however, differed considerably. The beneficiaries and the organiser expressed positive perceptions and experiences of the Programmes. The main benefits identified were providing financial/ grant support, sharing information and experiences, networking, exposure and skills development. The key challenges were in relation to funding.
Beneficiaries and BASA strongly advocated for the continued support of DSAC funding, noting the benefits for the arts sector. The reliance on DSAC support (which is about 70% of the budget) is of concern and BASA should secure more private sector sponsorships for the programmes. The methodological challenges in terms of engaging with BASA suggest that there may be issues pertaining to data management and record keeping within the organisation which DSAC should discuss with BASA.
