Entries are now open for the immensely prestigious and highly contested Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) Awards partnered by Hollard.

Now in their 21st year, the Awards recognise South African businesses that invest in the arts and in the creative economy. This investment not only enables artists to thrive, but it also affects the health and robustness of investing businesses. Investment in the arts brings the benefits of impactful strategic thinking to boardrooms. It helps deliver better understanding of markets and market dynamics. It delivers collateral with which businesses may position their brands in an increasingly cluttered marketplace. And it provides scope for CSI interventions.

The Awards are open to all companies investing in or sponsoring arts events, projects or organisations in South Africa or Africa. They are also open to all companies investing in or sponsoring South African or African arts events outside of South Africa. There is no entry fee.

There are 11 categories. Awards will be made for work done during 2017. The categories are:

• Innovation Award (for the most innovative and progressive partnership in all mediums of creativity that serves the interests of all partners equally, and that is characterised by originality)
• First Time Sponsor Award (for a business supporting the arts for the first time: irrespective of size, budget, or purpose)
• Increasing Access to the Arts Award (awarded to a partnership that celebrates audience engagement, or that has contributed significantly to brand, market and audience development, while promoting the business through above-the-line media. It could also go to a business/arts partnership that has contributed to regeneration or sustainable growth, through a marketing, CSI or other budget)
• Beyond Borders Partnership Award (will go to a global-level partnership that builds brand reputation and audience across international borders through either an event or marketing project)
• Long Term Partnership Award (awarded to a business that has developed and expanded its commitment to an arts project over three years or more. The value to the arts project, to the broader community and to the business, must be clear)
• Media Sponsorship Award (for consistent and innovative support by editorial media)
• Strategic Project Award (recognising outstanding initiative, with best use of a project, which is an integral part of the business’ strategy)
• Small Business Award (for vital support given to the arts by a small company with up to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10 million)
• Sponsorship In Kind Award (for quantifiable non-monetary support to the arts)
• Development Award (awarded to projects with an implicit educational and development element)
• Cultural Tourism Award, supported by Nedbank (for business support of arts and culture projects which contribute towards the growth of communities and jobs, and support tourism opportunities)