Concerts SA revealed in its fifth instalment that the Digital Mobility Fund had awarded grants to 60 music projects (DMF). The DMF, supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Norwegian Embassy and SAMRO, was established in 2020 as an active response to difficulties the live music sector in South Africa was experiencing at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
60 applicants were chosen to receive help after more than 300 qualifying applications were submitted and subjected to a stringent and thorough assessment process. The preparation and execution of a concert that will either be streamed live or taped for a delayed broadcast will be supported by each DMF microgrant of R30,000. There will be live audience recordings of all 60 concerts. With funding granted to both established and up-and-coming musicians of many musical genres, applications reflected the rich and diverse cultures of South Africa. The Digital Mobility Fund at Concerts SA has awarded grants to the following projects: Afrikan Roots, Brenda Mtambo, Craig Lucas, Kabomo, Mzansi Gay Choir, The Rudimentals, and Veranda Panda.
“Concerts SA, administered by IKS Cultural Consulting on behalf of SAMRO, the Royal Norwegian Embassy and other partners, has arguably had its period of highest impact over the past two years since its inception in 2013. During that period, the annual iterations of the Digital Mobility Fund (DMF) distributed R5,1 million to 170 projects, enabled the support of concerts at 132 venues, and reached 570 079 audience members, many online.” Gjermund Saether, Norwegian Ambassador Designate to SA.
“Over the past two and half years over 4500 musicians, technicians and music support staff benefitted from Concerts SA’s injection of micro-grants into our ailing sector. This played an important role in keeping some momentum in the live music industry, through the debilitating impact of COVID-19. We thank SAMRO, The Norwegian Embassy, foreign donors and the National Arts Council who supported us in supporting artists.” Andre Le Roux: Head of Concerts SA and MD of IKS Cultural Consulting.
“As SAMRO, we have applauded Concerts SA’s continuing effort to stimulate and grow the live music circuit in southern Africa. We increased our investment into CSA projects and programmes, helping Concerts SA to continue to play a catalytic, vital role in the initiative to keep the SA live music industry operating.” Mark Rosin, SAMRO CEO.
For the current list of the 60 supported projects, visit www.concertssa.co.za where you can also find the list of projects awarded in the last four Digital Mobility Fund callouts.
Featured Photo by David von Diemar on Unsplash
