Limited-edition Plett ARTS Festival back on track thanks to commitment of local arts community
A “limited edition” version of the Plett ARTS Festival will take place in 2019 after all – thanks to the commitment and support of the arts community who do not want the momentum of the first three years to be lost.
Plett Tourism recently announced the festival would not take place because our request for funding was turned down.
A drumming workshop at last year’s Plett ARTS Festival
The Plett ARTS Festival was launched by Plett Tourism to showcase Plett’s cultural and heritage life and anchor the winter season. It formed part of a four part strategy to market Plett and develop products around four tourism pillars – 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 the Knysna Oyster Festival – which the Plett ARTS Festival complements – has been going for 35 years.
Plett Tourism will be handling the marketing and branding of extensive visual art exhibitions, organised and presented by the artists of Plett, in collaboration with artists and performers from Kwano. The Kids of Kurland will also be on the block with comedy at The Fringe and Emily Moon will be titillating your senses with delicious film and compelling food at the Plett Food and Film.
Only in its 3rd 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 trip to Plett to coincide with the Plett ARTS Festival come to mind, among many others.
Nelson Mandela said, “It is in your hands to make a difference.” Our gratitude to those who are rolling up their sleeves to keep Plett ARTS Festival alive while Plett Tourism continues a concerted effort for funding in 2020, 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, immerse yourself in food and film, and laugh your hearts out at The Fringe.
Plett ARTS Festival
21 – 28 June
“Vision with action can change the world.” Nelson Mandela
