DCAS saddened by news that Fugard Theatre will close permanently

The Western Cape Government is saddened by the news that the Fugard Theatre will close its doors permanently.   

It is devastating sign of just how badly the arts industry has been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last year, and a clear indication that more needs to be done to keep it afloat over the year ahead. 

The national lockdown regulations which amongst others closed theatres under Alert Levels 5, 4, 3 and 2 and when allowed to reopen under Alert Level 1, imposed guidelines limiting audience numbers and stage presence. This has essentially reduced tickets sales, further restricting revenue for theatres to operate but also adversely affected the artists performing on these stages as for many of them, their sole stream of income is generated by these performances.   

This has been further exacerbated in delays in providing relief funding to artists promised by the national government, firstly by President Ramaphosa in the form of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme and secondly by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the National Arts Council in the form of relief funding.   

An urgent conversation is needed with the National Government and other stakeholders in order to find ways to ensure that this sector can remain sustainable in South Africa, and so that we save the thousands of livelihoods that this sector supports. We have to plot a new, safe and sustainable way forward for this sector as a matter of priority.  

To this end, Minister Marais will request an urgent meeting with Minister Nathi Mthethwa to initiate this pivotal conversation as a date for the next Ministers and Members of Executive Councils Meeting (MINMEC) has not been scheduled for this year as yet. 
  
The Western Cape Government has, despite the major challenges created by diminished budgets and continued restrictions, found ways to support the sector during this unprecedented time.  

We provided COVID-19 relief funding, valued at R4.7 million, to 715 successful Arts, Culture and heritage applicants and R1 million to 46 sport federations, 39 coaches, 11 technical officials and 24 athletes who successfully applied though their affiliated federations.  

While the provision appears minute in proportion to the demand, it indeed served as a lifeline and assisted our artists and athletes who were the last to return to their business, a great deal in retaining their dignity to provide for their families’ wellbeing.  

But we know this is not enough, and that is why we need to urgently find a new and safe normal for this vital sector.  

Minister Marais said, “It is soul crushing that some applicants are still awaiting their promised financial support from the national government, almost a year on, particularly as a direct result of procedural inadequacies and maladministration as is evident in the suspension of both the CEO and CFO of the National Arts Council (NAC). As we now contain, adapt and recover in the Western Cape, we are exploring different avenues of support to the arts industry. This amongst others, includes strengthening our partnerships with theatres across the province to ensure the impact of the pandemic on our portfolio, affected events and programmes will be minimized to increase sustainability of the sector. Local content showcasing has also moved up on our list of priorities and in early February this year, the DCAS invited registered arts and culture organisations and institutions, artists groups, individuals involved in artistic expressions and arts and culture events companies to submit their online applications for project funding for the 2021/22 financial year. 
  
Marais continues “The consistent national funding of state-owned enterprises in the forms of bailouts is a smack in the face of our hardworking artists who feeds the human spirit in a way that little else does and ultimately can. If these public funds are reprioritized to support the livelihoods of our artists and the industry, it will go a long way in providing the much-needed sustainable safety net for the sector which was and continues to be severely distressed by cancelled and postponed gigs, events and programmes.  

Minister Marais emphasizes, “As our arts, culture and heritage sector has been and continues to be devastated by lockdown regulations and COVID-19 concerns, the Western Cape Government understands the immense pressure they are under to sustain their livelihoods, that of their families and all those reliant on them. It is therefore vital that funding opportunities of this nature are offered despite the constrained fiscal environment and looming national budget cuts. While we are to be physically distanced, we are still socially connected. That’s why we remain committed in our proactive efforts to create an enabling environment, bringing into fruition innovative solutions in response to unprecedented circumstances, while empowering those we serve. Funding opportunities like this can make a meaningful contribution to our artist currently protesting national government’s nonchalance and neglect.”