On-Cue National Arts Festivals
 Words mean more than what is set down on paper.
It takes the human voice to imbue them with the shades of deeper meaning.
― Maya Angelou |
The main aim of On-Cue National Arts Festivals is to widen the platform and accessibility for learners to participate nationally in Eisteddfods and Dramatic Arts Festivals in their home language. The result will eventually include participation and adjudication in all languages in South Africa. Most English speakers in South Africa are second-language users; however, currently, oral interpreters need to be proficient in the English language to participate.
Oral interpretation involves an aspect of meaning other than knowing the nature of the language: the interpreter’s attitude toward what he or she is saying, his or her intention in saying it, and the effect he or she desires by saying it. If this process of understanding is grasped in home language communication first, the capable oral interpreter will be able to communicate skillfully in the English language as well.
On-Cue objectives are:
- to create an umbrella body in hosting arts festivals nationally.
- to create opportunities for learners to participate in arts festivals on a national level.
- to provide a more permanent foundation for training and skills development which is unique for arts festivals in South Africa.
- to create supplementary training opportunities for qualified people in education, music, fine art and performing arts.
- to make participation in the festivals more accessible, provide training for smaller communities in remote areas, and run the final rounds of the festival in smaller towns.
- to establish a greater unity and standardisation of eisteddfod and arts festival adjudication.
- to coexist and collaborate with cultural organisations, performing arts and fine arts studios, educational institutions, and similar organisations with the intention of promoting and developing youth towards personal growth and competent communication skills.
- to establish an organisation endorsing high standards, behaviour and ethos during the adjudication of these festivals.
Currently, the Pretoria Drama Eisteddfod and Vaaldriehoek Arts Festival are run under the patronage and guidance of On-Cue National Arts Festivals.
