Question NW793 to the Minister of Arts and Culture
18 May 2020 - NW793
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(1) Whether there will be an additional opportunity for artists to apply for funding during the Covid-19 lockdown; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether artists who can provide proof that their applications were submitted before the cut-off date of 6 April 2020 will be considered for funding; if not, (a) why not and (b) can the artists appeal; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) (a) who selected the panels for both the Sports and Arts and Culture sectors, (b) what were the criteria for selecting the respective panels, (c)(i) who will be considered for the arts and culture funding and (ii) what criteria will be used, (d) what total number of artists will be accommodated and (e) on what date will the lists of (i) those who qualified for funding and (ii) the amounts they received be made available?
Reply:
1. A decision on an additional opportunity for artists to reapply is not under consideration for now. An engagement with industry stakeholders has taken place, which has contributed in guiding the approach. On 6th May 2020, we met with industry stakeholders, and the industry unanimously proposed that the Department finilise those that had initially applied but could not make it. Only after these agreed-upon processes are concluded, will additional steps be considered.
2. There is an appeal panel tasked with such responsibility.
(a) Note the response above
(b) Yes. We have appointed Advocate Steve Kekana, Advocate Nakedi Ribane and Ms Sibongile Nzimande to the appeal panel; they are seized with this task. An email address for appeals was set up and communicated as part of feedback to applicants.
3. (a) The Minister selected the panels
(b) Panelists were drawn from different backgrounds and as expertise in the Sports, Arts and Culture domains
(c) (i) All the people who will be recommended by the adjudication panel will receive funding
(ii) The criteria was made available from the commencement of the process of the COVID-19 relief fund. The criteria is broad-ranging and the full criteria is included, as an addendum, to this reply
(d) The total number will depend on the total number of artists who applied and succeeded
(e) (i)–(ii) The lists will be made available as and when the process is completed, or towards completion.