BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.

Vision: Mutually beneficial partnerships are hardwired into BASA’s DNA and are a part of its founding ethos. We believe in the power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners and the transformational value of the arts to effect meaningful social change.

Mission: BASA champions business investment in the creative sector by leading research that enhances commercial confidence. BASA builds capacity through its programmes and is shifting the paradigm for the future of partnerships between diverse stakeholders.