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Innibos makes 'big jump'
06/07/2005 07:13 - (SA)
Zinkie Sithole
Nelspruit - The 2005 Innibos arts festival has almost doubled its turnover compared to last year's takings.
More than 29 000 tickets were sold for various productions, compared to 18 000 last year, for various performances held at venues throughout Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
"This is an extremely positive reflection and a big jump from last year," said Sandra Jacobs, marketing and advertising manager of Innibos.
Some 45 000 people, about half of which came from outside the region, attended the festival.
"Research revealed that at least 55% of those who attended the festival were not from the province. This is great for local tourism," said Jacobs.
The festival had 350 stalls on the sprawling Bergvlam High School grounds and 69 productions at different venues in the city.
Jacobs said a full audit was needed to determine any profits made.
The festival cost R3m to stage with artists alone pocketing R1m. Some 250 temporary jobs were created, excluding security and cleaning services.
"We are happy that the festival is stimulating the local economy," said Jacobs.
Jacobs said the festival organisers wanted to keep the festival intimate, however, and would not try to grow as big as the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, which draws over 200 000 people a year.
"We will increase the 69 productions slightly, but we want people to still feel comfortable," she said.
On the net:
www.innibos.co.za
- African Eye
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South Africa
