Opportunity beckons for participant at Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
By Edward Tsumele, Editor, CITYLIFE/ARTS
Earlier this year in April, I had an opportunity to attend the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) Festival in the Karoo, and not only does it feature interesting theatrical production, a captivating music programme and an inspirational visual art [programme, but the environment itself makes the whole experience of immersion in the festival like no other experience of the nature in the country.,
This town becomes really alive during the festival, the restaurants are packed by revellers and the atmosphere is that of joviality. Festival goers come from all over the country to immerse themselves in this artistic and cultural experience. During my attendance there I was left with no doubt about the importance of this festival to the tourism economy of this place. Each time that it takes place, it pumps R87 million into the local economy, and given the general high rate of unemployment in the country, this is no small feat.
And for the festival goers and those who would like to participate in the in the 27th Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) there is good news for them. The festival takes place in Oudtshoorn from 1 to 9 April 2023 and proposals for this festival can be submitted now.
“All creatives, artists, producers, and musicians are invited to submit proposals for next year’s KKNK. We are looking for innovative and creative proposals to include in the festival programme,” says Hugo Theart, Artistic Director of the KKNK.
According to Theart, the programme team is interested in theatre, music, street theatre and – art, visual arts, performances on the music stages, open air concerts, as well as Klein Karoo experiences, showcasing the Klein Karoo and Oudtshoorn’s natural beauty, history, and quality products. “A broad spectrum of festivalgoers is targeted through the compilation of the festival programme and possibilities for everyone are considered,” he says.
Elements in proposals that will receive preference include, amongst others, innovation, debut works, new scripts and music, proudly South African stories, conceptual works, and interesting combinations. As a national arts festival, it is the aim of the KKNK to create a platform that presents exceptional, professional works of South African artists. The festival also creates platforms for nonprofessional or amateur performances and the focus here is mainly on Oudtshoorn and its surrounds.
Interesting proposals for discourse series, creative workshops or ideas earmarked for future development for the 2024 or 2025 festivals, can be sent to Theart directly at hugo@kunste.org.za.
Programme proposals can be submitted online as soon as possible, unless indicated otherwise, and the process is simple. The proposal form, as well as a complete list of programme guidelines, are available at www.kknk.co.za. This form must be completed in full.
The closing date for all proposals is Sunday 11 September 2022.