Limited-edition PlettArts Festival back on track
Thanks to community commitment, Plett Arts Festival will be staged from June 21-28
A “limited-edition” version of the Plett Arts Festival will take place in 20I9 after all, thanks to the support of the local arts community, who stepped up in unison to prevent the loss of momentum built up during the events first three years.
Plett Tourism recently announced the festival wouldn’t take place since a request for funding had been turned down.
The event was launched by Plett Tourism to showcase the area s cultural and heritage life while anchoring the winter season. It formed part of a four-tier strategy to market Plett and develop products around the tourism pillars of Summer, Nature & Adventure, Wine & Food, and Heritage & Culture.
It’s important to bear in mind that reputation grows over years of consistent quality and steady delivery. The National Arts Festival in Makhanda is 47 years in the making, and Knysna’s Oyster Fest – which the Plett Arts Festival complements – has been going for 35 years.
Plett Tourism will be handling the marketing and branding of an extensive visual art event, organised and presented by Plett artists, in collaboration with artists and performers from KwaNokuthuIa. Kids of Kurland will also be on the block with comedy at The Fringe.
By its third year. Plett Arts Festival had not yet found its feet but was evolving a unique identity and had already developed a small but growing loyal following – the eccentric couple from Mexico City who plan their annual SA trip to coincide with the Plett Arts Festival spring to mind, among many others.
Under the Plett Arts Festival umbrella, the already popular Plett Fringe brought to the boards by the Kids of Kurland Foundation, formed the hub of the theatrical offering with drama, music and the best comedy in the country. The film, dance, jazz, and fine arts had extended the repertoire.
According to Nelson Mandela: “Vision with action can change the world.” lie also said: “It is in your hands to make a difference.”
Members of the team at Plett Tourism extend gratitude to those who are rolling up their sleeves to keep Plett Arts Festival alive, while they will continue their concerted effort to invite funding in 2020. albeit in a tough economic climate.
All that is required from you is to wrap up against the chilly winter evenings, warm your cockles at the open nights of art, and laugh your heart out at The Fringe.
Visit www.pletttourism.com for details.