The Department of Arts and Culture invites media to a Ministerial Imbizo and a gala dinner to consult and honour veterans in the arts for their role in the development of the country. The Imbizo will be held on Wednesday, 10^th December and the Gala Dinner on Thursday, 11 December 2014. The gala dinner will be hosted and addressed by President Jacob Zuma. Also, artists will be awarded certificates of recognition for their role and contribution.

The Imbizo will take place at the Market Theatre in the John Kani Auditorium in Newtown from 11am on the 10th while the Gala Dinner will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 6pm. The events are part of the 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy celebration.

The consultative interactive session (Imbizo) will consider progress in the working and living conditions of the arts and culture veterans. This will include access to live performances, social security, skills development, access to credit, intellectual property and piracy, recognition as workers and their contribution to the economy, the value-chain in the industry and many other challenges facing the industry as a whole.

The Department of Arts and Culture and other stakeholders, including the Cultural and Creative Industries’ Federation of South Africa will also provide feedback on progress made on the mobilization of the sector and artists’ participation in structures to resolve issues that affect them.

“The role of the creative industries goes beyond defining national identity to contribute to nation building and social cohesion. In fact, they play a pivotal role in fighting unemployment and poverty to create economic opportunities for self-reliance among our artists.

“Thus this session is for us to get an update and exchange views and plans to gauge how far we have gone to mobilize artists to be agents of what they want to see happen in their sector.

“As, as this year marks the 20^th anniversary of democracy and freedom, it is appropriate for us to gather to celebrate living legends and express our deepest thankfulness to these icons who have played a role in the attainment of freedom,” said Minister Mthethwa.

The invitation is scheduled as follows:

1. Imbizo

Date             : 10 November 2014

Time            : 11h:00      

Venue          : Newtown, Market Theatre

2. Gala Dinner

Date             : 11 December 2014

Time            : 17h00

Venue          : Sandton Convention Centre

RSVP’s        : Baile Maunye 060 974 9692, bailem@dac.gov.za

Enquiries     : Sandile Memela 082 800 3750/012 441 3000