Ladies and gentlemen, guests, and especially to our young artists – welcome to the Schools Arts Festival (SAF) GALA evening at Artscape! It is our great pleasure to host you all…
This festival stands proudly as one of our flagship projects, dedicated to nurturing young talent and instilling a love for the arts. But, it is so much more than what the name suggests:
It is Social Cohesion in Action.
Every night, Since last week, we had 22 schools across the Province: Rural, Semi-Urban and Urban here on an Artscape stage enjoying the world-class Opera House. And, every evening our dedicated Artscape Technical staff performed miracles to stage each and every one of the productions and give excellence to every one of them. I salute them…
I also salute the parents, the teachers, the principals, the panel of judges, the administrators who tirelessly behind the scenes to make this all possible. A round of applause for all of them, please?
Tonight is the highlight of the Festival in one evening to give the broader community a snippet of the outstanding talent we have in our country. These are our budding professionals; our future audiences; the future of theatre…
Our festival extends a warm embrace to both primary, high schools, and special needs schools, offering a platform for learners to unveil their performance prowess on a professional stage. This initiative not only cultivates a passion for theatre and the arts but also nurtures a sense of self-esteem, pride, and accomplishment. It is a reminder that every step taken on this stage is a stride toward personal growth and self-discovery.
As we gather to celebrate this vibrant festival, I am reminded of the profound impact it has on the youth. The SAF gives an outlet for young people to express themselves and develop as future leaders in the arts. It also plays a crucial role in growing future audiences, ensuring the sustainability of our cultural heritage. For many students, SAF is their first exposure to diverse cultural performances. This experience broadens their understanding and appreciation of global traditions, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
It is here where parents from affluent schools are all in one audience with those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering understanding and unity. This unique interaction bridges societal gaps and nurtures a shared sense of belonging.
Beyond the realm of the performing arts, this festival stands as a cornerstone of nation-building. Families, friends, and community members bear witness to this magnificent showcase, finding common ground in the appreciation of talent and the celebration of creativity.
Allow me at this juncture to extend my gratitude to the Western Cape Education Department, its Subject Advisors, and educators, especially those who offer performing arts classes as extra-mural activities. Without their continued collaboration, the SAF would not be possible.