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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown which ended this weekend significantly passed last years attendance figures, and next year the event will coincide with the 2010 World Cup. Organisers are already formulating plans for the biggest-ever celebration of African arts. Project 2010 spoke to festival director Tony Lancaster...  How will the 2010 World Cup affect next year's festival? For starters, we are lengthening it to coincide with the World Cup, so it will now be staged between 20 June and 4 July. As a result, the festival will conclude just as the World Cup group stages end. Will the festival be able to accommodate thousands of extra visitors next year? I think so. We had record crowds this year without any problems. Remember, we already are a national event and we attract visitors from all over the world. So we are equipped to handle large crowds. And we draw many visitors from (2010 host city) Port Elizabeth. For supporters based there, this will be the perfect destination during games. Have you discussed this with FIFA and the 2010 Local Organising Committee? Yes, we've had conversations with them - they are aware of our plans. As you are aware, there are already an enornous number of 2010-related productions - theatre, films and photographic exhibitions. Will you be able to accommodate them at next year's festival? Yes, there is a home for everyone. The festival is staged in two parts - the main and the fringe. The deadline for the main is in August but the fringe is open for everyone. Even though this is a showcase of South African arts, I am sure there will be a strong 2010 influence. more interviews...
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