Da-da-da, da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da, da
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da, da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da, da
Da-da-da-da-da
– Michael, G. (2003). Amazing. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][CD] Sony BMG.

In much the same way I prefer not to swim in the ocean because I am haunted by the very catchy (and equally scary) theme tune of the Jaws movies, whenever I think of the National Arts Festival’s 11 Days of Amazing, the chorus of George Michael’s hit song pops into my head and starts playing on repeat. I don’t know any of the other lyrics apart from the chorus but I do know that it’s from his 2003 album entitled Patience, which, as we all know, is virtue … especially when it comes to producing festivals…

You see, surprisingly few people realise that #11DaysOfAmazing is preceded by 354 days of Patiently Programming, Budgeting, Fundraising and Carefully Negotiating Every Detail of Every Hour of those 11 days into the seamless and immersive experience that greets audiences when they arrive in Grahamstown. Fortunately, whatever the quirks, challenges or idiosyncrasies of the artistic programme for any given year, there is an amazing and fantastically talented team behind the scenes, making all of it happen:

In the cockpit, we have the very tall and very affable Tony Lankester looking after important knobs, buttons, gages and dials. Heading up the cabin crew – and looking after your comfort and safety and ensuring no one panics in the case of a sudden loss of cabin pressure – we have Kate Davies (Festival Manager), Sisanda Mankayi (Acting Fringe Manager), Nobesuthu Rayi (Associate Producer), and Danielle Wessels (Receptionist). At the back are Kerryn Wiblin (Business Manager), Charl van Deventer (Finance Manager) and Akhona Daweti (Box Office Manager). This year, they are ably assisted by newcomers Anesipho Klaas (Finance Assistant), Fredy Mashate (Hospitality Manager) and Lauren Fletcher (Creativate Co-ordinator).

On the ground, in the air and pretty much everywhere, all over Grahamstown, in every nook and cranny of each of our venues is our terrific technical team led by Nicci Spalding (Technical Director) and supported by Ryan Bruton (Operations Manager), Guy Nelson (Production Manager), Jim O’Gorman (Stores Manager), Michelle Lowry (Production Manager), Tanya Brown (Production Assistant), Carmen Ford and Bie Venter (Exhibitions) and Ashia Nkontsa (Events).

A special shout-out to our fabulous communications team: Sascha Polkey, Anne Taylor, Michelle Hodgkinson, Dan Bailey, Khuthala Nandipha and Tabisa Booi, who have made it possible for you to even read this and are probably the reason you even know about the Festival to begin with. Selina White together with Clarissa Carolus and Renee Engelbrecht look after everything to do with the Village Green Fair.

So there you have it: #TeamAmazing 2018. We’re ready for you. Now the question is, are you ready for #11DaysOfAmazing?

PS: Please see our Contact page for details on how to get hold of us

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