This year, which celebrates the 15th year of the Awards, saw an increase in entries, particularly in the categories Sustainable Partnerships and Youth Development.
Amongst the businesses who have been recognized as finalists are large corporates Sasol, KWV, Old Mutual, De Beers and Santam, whilst smaller businesses include HR Consultancy Pinpoint one and the Beacon Isle Resort.
"We are delighted at the depth and scope of this year's nominations which demonstrate how the arts continue to offer great opportunities to strategically align brands," says BASA CEO Michelle Constant.
"Anglo American understands the importance of supporting arts and culture in South Africa, and we have therefore been a proud sponsor of the BASA Awards since 2004. We appreciate the positive effects that corporate sponsorships have on creating significant growth and development opportunities for artists, as well as providing socio-economic benefits and thus making a difference to local communities."says Pranill Ramchander, head of corporate communication and branding, Anglo American.
Nominations were made in 12 categories (see full list of finalists below) and the Art Champion and Chairman's Premier Award will be presented at a gala ceremony in Johannesburg on August 27.
The judges for the 2012 BASA Awards are CEO of The Loerie Awards Dr Andrew Human (chairman); media consultant and editor of Destiny Man Kojo Baffoe; Sunday Independent arts critic Mary Corrigall; independent arts consultant Nicky du Plessis; CEO of the Mastrantonio Group Giovanni Mariano; co-founder and co-owner of multi-disciplinary design firm INK Lisebo Mokhesi and Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town and Artistic Director of Siwela Sonke Jay Pather.
The Awards are audited by Grant Thornton.
For more information call the BASA offices on 011 4472295 or email info@basa.co.za or go to www.basa.co.za.
The Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, list of finalists for 2012 are:
Arts and Environment - supported by Nedbank
Sponsor Siemens Pty Ltd - Siemens Baobab Tree
Sponsor Beacon Island Resort - Site_Specific
Sponsors JDA, National Treasury, National Research Foundation and South African Cities Network - The South African Informal City Project
Sponsor Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd - Water, the [delicate] thread of life
First Time Sponsor
Innovation
International Sponsorship
Sponsorship in Kind
Media Sponsorship Award
Sponsor Electronic Media Network - M-Net - Cinderella, Joburg Theatre
Sponsor Izwi Lomzansi 98.0 FM - Love in the Air
Sponsor The Daily News - Musho Theatre Festival, Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) KZN
Sponsor www.DanceDirectory.co.za - The South African Ballet Theatre
Mentor of the Year - supported by Etana
Single Strategic Project
Small Business
Youth Development
Increasing Access to the Arts
Sustainable Partnership
For further details of these projects please visit www.basa.co.za.
About BASA:
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) is an internationally recognised South African development agency which incorporates the arts into, and contributes to, corporates' commercial success. With a suite of integrated programmes, Business and Arts South Africa encourages mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts. Business and Arts South Africa was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative of government and the business sector, to secure the future development of the arts industry in South Africa, through increased corporate sector involvement. Established as a Section 21 company, Business and Arts South Africa is accountable to both government and its business members.