The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the decision by National Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, to provide R150million in financial relief to the arts and culture industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The financial aid comes as numerous artists remain affected by the cancellation of events during lockdown period and where a memorandum of agreement exists.
Despite the funds not being directly allocated on a provincial level, the DA is aware that the KZN Department of Arts and Culture, under MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela, intends developing its own programme in support of local artists that have been negatively impacted financially. This will be done in the form of a proposal, yet to be put forward, to hold online events for those which have had to be postponed as a result of the current lockdown. The provincial relief fund programme will assist up and coming artists affected by the postponement of events during March and April 2020, with an amount of R3.3million having been allocated.
Those that will partially benefit from the provincial fund will not be allowed to make an application to seek assistance from the national relief fund. In the event that they are unsuccessful in being selected by KZN’s Department of Arts and Culture, the DA encourages artists to apply for funds from the national relief fund. The following criteria will apply for applications from the national relief fund;
· Documentation that does not deviate from the existing MOA requirements (narrative report, invoices, valid compliance documents etc)
· Supporting documents ie cancellation letters, proof of payments made to artists/participants/service providers etc. involved and proof of contracts and payment due
· For approved projects without a signed MOA but with a grant letter, all valid compliance documents and action plan (April – June) should be submitted
· However, projects that were affected during March (after the State of Disaster Announcement), will also be considered.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that relief funding reaches those for whom it is intended and we sincerely hope that this much-needed cash injection will be of some assistance to the many struggling artists in our country and our province.