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The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) held its annual international Congress in Durban, South Africa, 19 - 22 Jun 08. This was ISPA’s first Congress in Africa and it was hosted by Durban’s prestigious Playhouse Company. The Congress theme refers to the African term “Ubuntu” which embraces solidarity between communities and individuals. More than 170 colleagues from 30 countries participated in the four-day Congress with session topics ranging from The Power of Arts to Change Societies to How Do We Measure Excellence in the Arts.
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Some 20 speakers both locally and from the international community shared their perspectives and participated in an active dialogue with delegates. Speakers included South African television producer Duma Ndlovu, theatrical producer composer Mbongeni Ngema and writer Ronnie Govender. What distinguished these powerful panels were not so much the differences between communities and countries but rather the commonalities and therein laid the strength of this Congress for the participants.
In addition to the strong programmed sessions, there was also an active social programme that included the Awards dinner at the Tala Game Reserve. This year’s award recipients included Dr. John Kani, Professor Joseph Shabalala (Distinguished Artist Awards) and Dr. Miriam Makeba (International Citation of Merit). Perhaps the most memorable moment was an impromptu performance by jazz great, Hugh Masekela. On another evening, the delegates were treated to a performance of Dr. Kani’s play, Nothing but the Truth and everyone enjoyed fine South African wine and food at a multiplicity of restaurants around town!
Following the formal Congress, ISPA held its Academy – a two day arts administration programme. More than 50 local delegates and an additional 20 international delegates participated in the Academy that reviewed topics such as fundraising, marketing and artist management. Sessions are led by both ISPA members as well as local practitioners, and the focus is on discussion rather than lecture. While the Academy delves into matters of international interest, there is a focus on the unique needs of local delegates. Not surprisingly, in the presence of so many international presenters, there was a great deal of interest in the discussion of touring, both locally and internationally.
Perhaps most striking was the location. Many delegates arrived with preconceptions about Durban/South Africa and were surprised by both the cosmopolitan element of Durban life and the infrastructure. The opportunity for international delegates to hear firsthand accounts of the changes in South Africa since 1994 and how, as a new nation, South Africa is evolving was in itself a revelation.
Mark your calendars for upcoming 2009 ISPA Congresses:
Transformation: Arts as an Agent of Change in New York, 13 – 15 Jan 09 and
Sao Paulo, Brazil, 10 – 13 Jun 09.
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