South Africa’s top artists and creatives will now receive the recognition that they deserve.
This comes after the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa officially launched the long-awaited Cultural and Creative Industry Awards (CCIA).
The event was launched this past Thursday, 22 February at the Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg.
The occasion which will be marked on South African calendars on an annual basis, is set to honour creatives in various categories including dance production, music, poetry, artists with disabilities, breakthrough artists, international artists and more.
This morning we’re hosting a media launch for the Cultural and Creative Industry Awards. These awards celebrate established and developing practitioners and further our commitment to grow the cultural and creative sectors as an economic driver and one of opportunity. pic.twitter.com/UKicLzvC2N
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) February 22, 2024
Speaking at the event Zizi said: “Cultural and Creative Industry Awards are intended to be the currency of the creatives in our country; the supreme awards platform that will be recognised by industry insiders as giving recognition and legitimacy to highly talented creatives in the sector.”
According to news and entertainment publication Daily Sun, recipients of the awards will also receive a cash injection of R100 000.
This is something veteran actor Lilian Dube says was long awaited.
In her interview with the above-mentioned publication, she said: “It’s about time we celebrate our own.
“Remember, I lived through apartheid and post 1994. As much as Afrikaans people treated us badly but our awards used to come with money but after 1994 that never happened, so I’m very excited.”
Meanwhile the minister further highlighted that he hopes the initiative will inspire artists and give them the confidence to do even greater things.
“These awards aim to make the artists and creatives more credible to the public’s perception and add value to their works, recognizing their outstanding achievements.”
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