Issued by: SA Communication Service
3 April 1997
JOHN KANI IS NAC CHAIR
The National Arts Council elected Market Theatre director Dr John Kani as chair and theatre producer Christopher Seabrooke as vice-chair at its first meeting on Monday. Other members of the executive committee are actor Vanessa Cooke, writer Lisa Combrinck, and Head of University of Zululand Music Department, Prof Musa Xula. The executive committee was announced by Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Lionel Mtshali.
The NAC is an independent body which will formulate arts policy, as well as raise and distribute funds for the arts. It will also establish advisory panels in the different arts disciplines, including music, dance, visual arts, arts education, community art, etc. 4These panels, which will be chaired by NAC councillors, will bring together experts in their respected fields to advise the NAC.
The NAC has 21 members, 12 of whom were selected through public hearings, which drew nominees from the national arts and culture community. The other nine are provincial representatives nominated by their Culture MECs.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ANDILE XABA on (012) 314-6313