As civil unrest continued into 1987, the Festival continued to use its platform to promote diversity and inclusion for all South Africans. The value of the work done in the artistic sector at this time was profound, and was encapsulated beautifully by Jan Breitenbach’s introduction to the 1987 Festival:

“In these times of social, political and economic uncertainty in South Africa the 1820 Foundation feels privileged to present the exciting Standard Bank National Arts Festival. The programme which has been compiled is well-balanced and stimulating – and perhaps more importantly, it transcends all the barriers which divide our people, because we at the Foundation are determined to pay more than lip service to that part of our charter which requires us ‘to enrich educationally and culturally all the people of this land.’ 

It is my hope that you will be enriched by your participation in this year’s Festival and that you will go away from it persuaded that there is a future for us all – for when people, whatever their cultural or ethnic origins may be, can work and laugh and cry together, and share a common experience, all is not lost.”