SOUTH AFRICAN STATE THEATRE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

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     (Source: South African State Theatre)

THURSDAY EDITION | FUNDING / OPPORTUNITIES / INDUSTRY NOTICES  

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has opened nominations for suitably qualified and experienced individuals to serve on the Council of the South African State Theatre (SAST).

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    (Source: www.gov.za)

This is a critical opportunity for practitioners within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) to step forward and participate directly in arts governance, policy oversight, and institutional leadership.

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(Source: South African State Theatre)

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR THE SECTOR

For too long, key cultural institutions have been governed by individuals who may be competent professionals, but do not fully understand the lived realities of the arts sector.

The Cultural and Creative Industries are complex. They require leadership that understands:
- Artistic practice and creative labour
- Funding cycles and project-based work
- The realities of freelance artists and cultural workers
- Transformation, access, and sustainability within the sector

While lawyers, accountants, businesspeople, and administrators play an important role, the absence of practicing and experienced cultural practitioners in governance spaces weakens the sector.

Image: SAST Building

(Source: South African State Theatre) 

We have highly educated, experienced, and visionary practitioners in South Africa — directors, producers, arts managers, cultural activists, academics, creatives, and administrators — who deserve a seat at the table.

Institutions like the South African State Theatre should be guided by people who:
- Understand theatre beyond spreadsheets
- Appreciate the social and cultural role of public arts institutions
- Can balance governance with artistic integrity
- Are rooted in the sector they serve

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(Source: South African State Theatre) 

A CALL TO PRACTITIONERS

If you are a practitioner — or know one — with the experience, integrity, and commitment to serve, this call is for you.
Let us move beyond complaining about poor governance and instead occupy the spaces where decisions are made.

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(Source: South African State Theatre) 

NOMINATION DETAILS

📅 Closing Date: 3 January 2026
📨 Submissions:
Nominations must reach the Office of the Director-General,
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
📧 Email: StateTheatre@dsac.gov.za
📞 Enquiries:
Ms Thembeka Mpanza
📱 066 380 7396
☎️ 012 441 3243

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(Source: DSAC) 

THE CREATIVE PASSPORT’S POSITION

We encourage practitioners across disciplines — theatre-makers, arts administrators, cultural workers, academics, lawyers, accountants, and business professionals who are rooted in the sector — to apply.
The future of the Cultural and Creative Industries cannot be shaped without those who live and work within it.
This is how we change the system: by showing up, applying, and leading.

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