In a moving celebration of cultural excellence and leadership, the CEO of Artscape was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by WOMAD South Africa on the eve of Heritage Day. The award ceremony, held at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Centre in Cape Town, marked a poignant moment in the lead-up to South Africa’s annual celebration of its rich and diverse heritage.

Presented during the media launch of the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) Festival, the award recognises the CEO’s decades-long contribution to the performing arts, cultural development, and transformation within South Africa’s creative industries. Under their leadership, Artscape has become a beacon of inclusivity, innovation, and artistic excellence — nurturing talent, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Centre provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion, symbolising the values of unity, justice, and cultural pride that the awardee has championed throughout their career. The evening was attended by dignitaries, artists, and cultural leaders from across the globe, many of whom paid tribute to the CEO’s unwavering commitment to the arts and social change.

WOMAD South Africa, known for its vibrant fusion of global sound and local soul, returned to Cape Town this year with a powerful message: celebrating heritage through music, movement, and storytelling. The festival’s opening night was a tapestry of performances, from indigenous rhythms to contemporary collaborations, reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity that defines both WOMAD and South Africa’s cultural landscape.

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award on the eve of Heritage Day underscored the CEO’s role in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic arts sector. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and cultural leaders, reminding us that the arts are not only a reflection of society — but a powerful force for transformation.