The Royal Netherlands Embassy has provided a sum of up to R187,425 in support of two Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) projects.

The first project is the development of a national database of performing arts practitioners (dancers, writers, actors, directors, musicians, etc), administrators, technicians, designers and service providers, as well as educators, companies, organisations and educational institutions in the performing arts sector.

"Such a database is long overdue for networking and marketing purposes," said Mike van Graan, interim national chairperson of PANSA, "and we are delighted to have the support of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in getting this project off the ground."

The Spier-PANSA Reading of New Writing Festival scheduled for late February next year is the second beneficiary of support from the Netherlands government. The aim of this festival is to encourage the development of new South African writing for the theatre, and to provide practical support in bringing such writing to the stage.

Delecia Forbes, Director of the Spier Arts Trust, commented that the New Writing project affirms the direction of the Spier Summer Festival in nurturing and celebrating original South African works of excellence. "The contribution of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in this regard is very encouraging, and continues the Embassy's long tradition of seeking out, and supporting developmental and outstanding local work," she said.

The Head of Press and Cultural Affairs at the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Ms Margriet Leemhuis, indicated that the provision of funds for these PANSA projects was a further investment in the vibrant cultural life of South Africa. "We trust that these two projects will have many positive spin-offs for South African artists," said Ms Leemhuis.

The national database will be available on PANSA's website hosted by Artslink.co.za and should have achieved its initial aim of 5000 entries by the end of May 2002. For further information, contact Tammy Ballantyne at 011 880-5486 or pansa@artslink.co.za.