At the annual Business and Arts South Africa awards on August 29, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile shared a joke with Topthorn, a mechanical puppet and “cast member” of the West End production of War Horse.
The life-like puppets for the acclaimed international play were designed and manufactured by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones of the South African Handspring Puppet Company. The two presented their work prior to the award ceremony, at which local corporate investment in the arts was celebrated alongside the talent it promotes.
Among the winners were the Goethe-Institut, which won the award for diplomacy in the arts, as well as entrepreneur and gallery owner Benji Liebmann, who was named this year’s art champion. He was celebrated for his vision in creating Nirox in the Cradle of Humankind.
The award, supported by Anglo American, pays tribute to those businesses that are actively making a difference by sponsoring arts and culture events throughout the country.
Mashatile was at hand to congratulate the winners in all 15 categories. Visit: www.basa.co.za.