"This is the first time we have prepared a video ahead of the actual awards," says BASA marketing and operations manager, Lonwabo Mavuso. "We felt it was important to create a platform that would enable us to publicly share the truly varied and exciting business and arts relationships that have been active over the past year."
Winners in the 12 categories featured in the video will be presented at a gala ceremony in Johannesburg on 27 August. In addition, the art champion and chairman's premier award will also be announced.
Speaking in the video, artistic director of Siwela Sonke, Jay Pather, makes mention of the increase in quality of this year's entries. "What we are seeing more and more of is attention to the quality of the relationship between the sponsor and the artist project, and that's been very heartening to see."
Chairman of the judge's panel and CEO of The Loerie Awards, Dr. Andrew Human, points out how this year's nominees showcase the diverse form that the business and arts relationship can take. "It's not necessarily about size and budget. There are some initiatives which may seem niche and might not even be noticed on the bigger picture but when you look at those projects they are really making a difference for the people involved and also integrating the brand very well."
