KKNK AND OUDTSHOORN SHINE WITH WESTERN CAPE RECOGNITION
The KKNK received three Arts and Culture Awards from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport on Tuesday 26 September.
The awards honour individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions in the areas of arts, culture, heritage, language, libraries, archives, museum, and geographical names and were awarded for the 21st time in 2023 at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, also bestowed Ministerial Awards on individuals who have left a legacy in this environment.
Karoo Kaarte, the KKNK’s award-winning community driven arts project, received the award for Most Innovative Community Arts Festival. This project, supported by the ATKV this year, is a multidisciplinary arts programme that comes to life in Oudtshoorn. Karoo Kaarte is centred around Oudtshoorn stories and in telling these stories, creates a living archive, with the help of everyone who wants to participate in this exciting project, that has already done a lot to make the KKNK one of the most inclusive festivals in the country. Karoo Kaarte is an ongoing collaboration, facilitated by visual artist Vaughn Sadie and theatre maker Neil Coppen.
This year, Karoo Kaarte focussed on stories relating to childhood experiences, as well as lost public spaces. Activities were presented throughout the KKNK’s programme, with research around these themes that came to the fore in this project.
Hugo Theart, CEO and Artistic Director of the KKNK, received the Ministerial Commendation in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Music and the Arts. Through his passion and dedication, the KKNK continues to inspire those who encounter it, illustrating how art can drive positive change and shape a better world. His leadership has guided the KKNK to embark on a new journey, cementing its position as a South African cultural beacon.
The Chairperson of the KKNK’s Board, Crispin Sonn, received the Ministerial Commendation for his outstanding contribution to Music and the Arts. Under his leadership, the KKNK has grown into a cherished family festival that draws visitors not only from all corners of South Africa but also from around the world. His leadership and dedication exemplify how the arts can play a pivotal role in bringing people together, fostering cultural understanding and building a brighter future for all.
Roleplayers from Oudtshoorn received two further awards. Oudtshoorn resident Hazel Jonker received the Ministerial Legacy Award, in recognition for her outstanding contribution to heritage conservation and promotion in the Klein Karoo and specifically Oudtshoorn. She is the Chairperson of Heritage Oudtshoorn Erfenis and played an instrumental role in advancing the cause of heritage conservation and promotion within the Klein Karoo. Her contributions are a testament to her passion for safeguarding the rich history and cultural heritage of Oudtshoorn and its surroundings.
Oudtshoorn’s C.P. Nel-museum received the award for Contribution to the Promotion of Social Inclusion in the Field of Museums, Heritage, and Geographical Names.
Marais said they are delighted to celebrate the quality and diversity of the arts in the Western Cape. “The awards showcase the wide range of cultural activities which the Western Cape is involved with, and which we support very passionately. Tonight, we honour those who have left a lasting legacy and have helped us grow all these important arts and culture activities in our province,” she said.
The 28th KKNK takes place in Oudtshoorn from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 March 2024. For more information, keep an eye on the KKNK’s social media pages, visit www.kknk.co.za or contact 044 203 8600, send an email to info@kknk.co.za or a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.
More about the Minister’s Special Awards
- recognises outstanding contributions in the Arts and Culture sector by individuals.
- The Ministerial Legacy Awards recognises legends who have excelled beyond their goals in the Arts and Culture sector and made a significant impact on their communities, the province, the country, and the world.
Photos attached
- The KKNK received three Arts and Culture Awards from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport on Tuesday 26 September. © Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
