Festival Enterprise Catalyst Kicks Off, Backed by R20 Million Investment
South Africa – A landmark collaboration between South Africa’s leading arts festivals and its only dedicated music mobility fund has officially kicked off, signalling a bold new chapter for the country’s creative sector with a first round of shows presented at the Klein Karoo Kunstefees this past week.
The Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) — a joint initiative between the National Arts Festival, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, and the Tribuo Fund, with support from the Jobs Fund — will invest R20 million over two years to create, present, and tour new works across South Africa’s festival network, while building the capacity of creative enterprises.
With R10 million contributed by the Jobs Fund and a further R10 million from the project partners, the FEC represents one of the most significant coordinated investments in the arts in recent years.
By fostering collaboration between festivals and mobility partners, the initiative will establish a sustainable touring circuit for artists, stimulate job creation, and build resilience within the cultural sector. The FEC aims to ensure that artists, technicians, and creative entrepreneurs have access to consistent income, audience exposure, and opportunities to showcase their work nationally.
“This is an important moment for the arts industry,” says Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival. “By working together, we can build a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that benefits artists and audiences alike.”
Lesego Mafora, Head of CSI at SAMRO, said the initiative aligns strongly with their research findings. “We know that consistent, sustainable work transforms the creative industries. The FEC gives artists a tangible platform for growth, not just once-off opportunities.”
Lionel Kunene, Senior Technical Advisor at the Jobs Fund, added: “While the Jobs Fund doesn’t typically operate in this sector, we’ve recognised the real impact potential of the Cultural and Creative Industries. The Festival Enterprise Catalyst brings a level of sustainability and structure that can unlock long-term benefits for creative workers.”
Supporting works in all disciplines and languages, the FEC will celebrate South Africa’s creative diversity while building a more connected arts economy. Andre le Roux, speaking on behalf of Concerts SA, noted that the ripple effect extends far beyond the stage:
“Across the world, vibrant cultural scenes drive local economies. The FEC will help make South African festivals powerful contributors to our night-time and visitor economies — benefiting not only artists but the broader society.”
Key Features of the Festival Enterprise Catalyst
- Co-production funding: Financial support to develop and tour works across multiple festivals.
- Collaboration: Strong partnerships between leading South African festivals and music platforms.
- Artist empowerment: Increased opportunities for sustainable income and professional growth.
- Training and enterprise support: Building capacity among creative businesses and practitioners.
- Job creation: Stimulating employment and developing a more efficient creative ecosystem.
Artists will continue to apply for festival programming through the usual open calls of participating festivals and Concerts SA. Productions with potential for co-presentation will be reviewed by the FEC’s curatorial body for co-funding. Selected shows will then have the opportunity to tour multiple festivals, expanding their reach and lifespan.
More details and updates on the programme rollout will be shared on the social media platforms of the partner organisations.