I am writing this on Mother’s Day, for it is at times like this that I feel like the metaphorical proud mother. I feel blessed and I feel hopeful.
Artscape has just finished the hosting of the Suidoosterfees. And, this is what brings about the proud feeling in my heart…in my soul…and, it goes without saying that the Suidoosterfees Board, headed up by Edmund Jeneker and the CEO, Jana Hattingh and their formidable team need to be congratulated for a hugely successful festival. And, I also want to say thank you to my staff – the Artscape team – I applaud them for their respective roles in making the festival the success it is. They are often unseen, in the wings backstage somewhere – but playing pivotal roles in keeping events like this together.
To the sponsors, partners and the media – this cannot be done without you. We humbly thank you and appreciate all you do to support the arts at a time that it needs it most.
And, as they say in the classics, saving the best for last, we cannot do anything if there are no patrons to support these endeavours. To all of you – the supporters of the arts – thank you ever so much for coming out in multitudes to support local artists. I agree wholeheartedly with the Suidoosterfees’s chosen theme: Arts is indeed everything…as was clearly evident over the last two weeks at Artscape.
I would like to conclude with an excerpt from just one of the many letters of congratulations I received from Accessibility Lead Group External Affairs’, Dr Karen Smit who is also the Chairperson of the Vodacom Africa Accessibility Forum. It reads as follows:
“Dear Marlene
I want to compliment you and your team for making Artscape such an amazing place to visit. The atmosphere is welcoming and joyful, and the accessibility is world class.
From entering the parking area in the tunnel, one starts experiencing Artscape’s inclusive culture with Security welcoming us and guiding us to a parking area and always offering assistance and offering a wheelchair. Please thank Security for this awesome service.
Also thank Artscape staff for being so friendly and helpful whenever one asks a question about a venue.
The impact of your positive and inclusive leadership style is impacting patrons with disabilities experiences in a positive way which makes Artscape a best practice example of an accessible and inclusive environment.
Keep up the great work of removing barriers for disabled people and creating an inclusive environment for all.”
A picture, they say, paints a thousand words…so, instead of me mentioning all of the wonderful highlights of this year’s Suidoosterfees, have a look at the festival in pictures and tell me you will not want to attend next year to share this stupendous experience with us?
