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The Stanford Arts Festival: A Community Collaboration
The Stanford Arts Festival is a community-development initiative based in the heritage village of Stanford, 20 kilometres from the whale-watching town of Hermanus. It will run from 17 to 19 December, with the main event on Saturday 18 December.
So Much More Than Just a Festival
Born in 2018, The Stanford Arts Festival was initiated to become an annual celebration of the creative potential of the people of Stanford. It is an event designed to bring the community together, nurture self-worth and local talent, and plant seeds for future income opportunities through the power of collaboration. “Essentially, the festival is a socio-economic event rooted in a nature-based tourism economy,” says Howard, Festival organiser. “We see it as the future for the village economically. A niche destination that entertains visitors develops its people and stimulates the local economy. The benefits in education, youth development and conservation are crucial aspects of this village’s life. A creative, aware and naturally developed village is an attractive destination for tourists national and international.”
Lead-up festival performances will be held in various venues across the village from 16 December onwards, culminating in a full day of celebrations on Saturday 18 December, including headline events from local and visiting performers. On Sunday, the festival will wind down with a Picnic Feast hosted at Klein Rivier Cheese Farmstead and classical music at Madre’s restaurant.
Nurturing Our Youth for the Future
The Festival Team comprises talented and like-minded people focused on facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills by working with the community, youth leaders, and most importantly, local “talent ambassadors”. “Through various streams, including open mic nights, talent searches, workshop facilitation at various local venues, we are sourcing these gifted local individuals whose talents will be showcased at the Stanford Arts Festival in 2021,” says Adrian Fowler, director of festival music. “We are looking to develop a creative culture in Stanford, and doing it from grassroots level up. We wish to inspire a generation of kids growing up that they have a platform on which to express their creativity.” Leading up to the festival, local and guest facilitators will work with the community, sharing their skills and expertise in various creative spheres, including music and dance performances.
As the festival becomes an annual event, facilitators will be working with talented Stanford locals throughout the year in preparation for this community celebration. Core to the vision of SAF is that it must contribute significantly to the local economy, not merely in terms of the festival itself, but the opportunities that it will generate for community members.
Safety Protocols
Most activities will be hosted outdoors; however, strict mask and sanitisation protocols will be observed, as will any other requirements relating to relevant restrictions at the time of the festival.
Call For Sponsorship & Participation
This is a free festival which is why funding and sponsorship components are so critical in making this an all-inclusive event. To become a sponsor or donate to this community development initiative, please see contact details below.
To find out more about the festival and the full events schedule, help out with preparations or activities, or contribute financially towards this incredible celebration of the Stanford community, please contact the Festival Team via the following channels:
Email: info@stanfordfestival.co.za
Facebook: @TheStanfordFestival
Instagram: @The_stanford_festival
website: www.stanfordfestival.co.za
Instagram page @The_stanford_festival
