NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL - 20 June - 4 July 2010
Visit the official website of the National Arts Festival!
http://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
Organised by the Grahamstown Foundation, Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent.
Every year for 15 days Grahamstown's population almost doubles, as over 50 000 people flock to the city for a feast of arts, crafts and sheer entertainment. Every hall or large room becomes a theatre, parks and sport fields become flea markets, normally quiet streets have to be managed by an army of temporary traffic wardens, and every available bed in the city is booked. The festival offers more than 500 shows from opera, cabaret, drama and jazz to stand-up comics and folk music.
While many come to take in the arts, others simply want to be here for the spectacle or to market products ranging from tie-dyed T-shirts and woven rugs to handmade jewellery and customised telephones. The festival operates out of the 1820 Settlers National Monument and is organised by the Grahamstown Foundation.
OFFICIAL/MAIN PROGRAMME
Artists wishing to take part in the festival should submit a detailed proposal must be submitted in writing, and must include a preliminary budget. Drama proposals should include a play-script or script in progress; music, cassettes or CD's; dance, videos; visual arts, a portfolio (if applicable) or full details of works for the exhibition. Please do not hesitate to contact the Festival Office for assistance in ascertaining the requirements needed for your proposals.
FESTIVAL FRINGE
Artists wishing to perform or exhibit on the Fringe are invited to apply for registration forms from the Festival Fringe Office.
For further information on the National Arts Festival
please contact the Festival Office at Tel: +27(0) 46 603 1103
Email: fringe@foundation.org.za
To book a stall at the Village Green please contact the Village Green Fair office at Tel: +27(0)46 603 1117/ +27 (0)46 603 1182or Email: greenfair@foundation.org.za or Fax: +27 (0)46 603 1183.
Proudly brought to you by the Eastern Cape Government, Standard Bank, the National Arts Council,the National Lottery.
To book a stall at the Village Green please contact the Village Green Fair office at Tel: +27(0)46 603 1117/ +27 (0)46 603 1182or Email: greenfair@foundation.org.za or Fax: +27 (0)46 603 1183.
Proudly brought to you by the Eastern Cape Government, Standard Bank, the National Arts Council,the National Lottery and the SABC.
20 June -04 July 2010
This popular entertainment programme for children between the ages of four and 13 aims at educating the youth in arts.
The daily schedule is drawn up by arts education specialists and includes music, dance, drama and handcraft workshops, Festival productions, lunchtime concerts, exhibitions and visits to the craft markets. There is also evening entertainment for those enrolled in the Boarding Programme.
Participants are allocated to specific groups, depending on their age and ability, with a maximum of 20 pupils per group. Each day includes different plays and workshops. This ensures a variety for those who attend on a regular basis. Adult supervision guaranteed and advance bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CONTACT
MS Cindy Renard
Tel/Fax: 046 622 2148
Email: c.renard@saprepschool.com
www.childrensartsfestival.co.za
FESTIVAL POINTERS
Experience a hassle-free Festival by keeping a few basic guidelines in mind when planning your programme. Here is a short list of tips for first-time adventurers.
FESTIVAL FIRST-TIMERS should plan carefully. Book some shows ahead. Allow enough time to view exhibitions, take a tour, to shop at the craft fairs and to fit in any hit shows that are creating a buzz.
THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME: contains all information on both Main and Fringe events. Order a copy from the Festival Office or purchase a copy on arrival in Grahamstown at any of the Information Centres.
FREE OFFERINGS: Sundowner Concerts (17:00 daily in the Monument Foyer); art exhibitions, Street Theatre; and "craft-gazing" at the Transnet Village Green Fair and Clover Square.
A VENUE MAP: appears in the booking kit, the programme and loose copies are available at the Information Centres, hotels and residences. Detailed maps of Grahamstown may be purchased at the Makana Tourism office on Church Square.
HOPPER BUSSES: The timetable for the Hopper service is printed on the back of the loose venue maps.
A CARRY-ALL: is useful for carrying your programme, souvenirs, umbrella, sunscreen etc.
FOOD: Apart from the restuarants and food stalls on the streets, most venues offer a steady supply of sustenance at all hours. Alcohol beverages are on sale at many venues.
CUE: The daily Festival Newspapers contains reviews and articles by leading arts writers, daily schedules, updates and programme changes. Find out what's hot and what's not in the Cue Clips section.
DRESS CODE: Informal but do anticipate unpredictable weather. Comfortable shoes are essential. Dress in layers and keep coats and scarves at hand as it may become bitterly cold.
PROGRAMME CHANGES: Prominently displayed notices at the Booking Offices as well as in Cue, will keep you updated on changes and cancellations. Starting times are adhered to as strictly as possible but please allow at least 50 minutes between performances. We regret that no refunds on tickets can be made for late arrivals.
THE FRINGE: In contrast to the Main Festival events, which are selected by the Festival Committee, the Fringe is open to all applicants, without pre-selection. Some of the most exciting artistic development and dynamic talents in our country were first spotted on the Fringe in Grahamstown. We urge you when selecting shows to see at least one that you know nothing about. You never know, it may turn out to be the highlight of the Festival.
TICKETS: If still available, tickets may also be bought at performance venues 30 minutes prior to starting times.
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