How Badisa and Suidoosterfees Are Bringing the Arts Closer to Home

Badisa and the Suidoosterfees have come together to create meaningful opportunities for more communities that might not usually have the chance to enjoy cultural events, to experience live theatre, music,... The post How Badisa and Suidoosterfees Are Bringing the Arts Closer to Home appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 11, 2026 - 08:12

How Badisa and Suidoosterfees Are Bringing the Arts Closer to Home

Badisa and the Suidoosterfees have come together to create meaningful opportunities for more communities that might not usually have the chance to enjoy cultural events, to experience live theatre, music, and storytelling firsthand.

Cape Town, South Africa (11 May 2026) – Regardless of our background or what community we call home, art is for everyone to access and enjoy. A wonderful partnership between Badisa and the Suidoosterfees is creating meaningful opportunities for more communities to experience the arts in an inclusive, accessible, and enriching way.

At its core, this collaboration is about much more than just a festival. It’s about connection, dignity, and shared cultural participation.

Thanks to this partnership, complimentary tickets to the Suidoosterfees were provided to Badisa staff and residents at its older person branches.

This initiative has opened new doors for many, especially the elderly and those who might not usually have the chance to enjoy cultural events, to experience live theatre, music, and storytelling firsthand.

For many attendees, these moments go far beyond just entertainment. They offer a sense of belonging, create shared memories, and strengthen social connections within communities that are often separated by circumstance or distance.

Over time, the relationship between Badisa and the Suidoosterfees has developed into a valued collaboration rooted in shared purpose.

Edmund Jeneker, former festival chairperson and current chair of Badisa’s investment committee, has played an important role in strengthening this connection. Under the leadership of Azelia Morkel, the partnership continues to grow, with a clear focus on expanding access to the arts and deepening community engagement.

One of the highlights of the Suidoosterfees programme is its choir competition, which brings together amateur choirs from both rural and urban communities across the Western Cape.

This year, the spirit of participation was strongly felt in the Kuilsriver community, where the Kuilsriver Church Choir proudly took top honours in their category. The choir is made up of congregants from the Kuilsriver DR Church, along with members from other local congregations, including community members linked to Huis de Kuilen (branch of Badisa)

“On a personal note, it was a great privilege to share this experience with my father, Chris du Plessis, who also sings in the choir,” shared Elzané Feyt, fundraiser at Huis de Kuilen.

Their achievement reflects months of dedication, rehearsals, and a shared passion for music that bridges generations and backgrounds. Under the guidance of conductor Arthur Appleby and accompanist Ilse Myburg, the choir’s journey to the stage was marked by commitment and togetherness.

As one participant shared, the experience was both meaningful and memorable, highlighting the value of being part of something larger than oneself.

Together, these moments from festival access to stage success reflect the deeper impact of the partnership between Badisa and the Suidoosterfees: a commitment to ensuring that the arts remain a space where communities are not only spectators but active participants in a shared cultural story.