Government Funding and its effects on the Private Sponsorship of Dance organizations in South Africa: The Case of Moving into Dance Mophatong and Vuyani Dance Theatre

Abstract

This thesis examines the dynamics between government funding and private sponsorship in South African dance non-profit organizations (NPOs), specifically Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT) and Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM). Through a mixed-methods research design, it addresses the research question: "Does government funding crowd-out or crowd-in corporate sponsorships to dance NPOs?" evaluating the framework of crowding-out and crowding-in effects. The study integrates quantitative analysis of funding trends with qualitative insights from organizational leaders and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive view of the financial ecosystem that sustains these dance NPOs. The findings reveal a significant reliance on government funding, marked by substantial fluctuations that underline a precarious dependency for both VDT and MIDM. However, strategic management of these funds and efforts towards funding diversification and corporate engagement suggest a multifaceted interplay between government and private support. This challenges the simplistic binary of crowding effects, indicating instead that under certain strategic conditions, government funding can indeed attract additional private sponsorship. By highlighting the importance of strategic alignment, adaptability, and long-term planning, the thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of funding dynamics in the arts sector. It posits that government support, when strategically leveraged alongside diversified funding efforts, can foster a conducive environment for private sector engagement, thereby enhancing the sustainability and growth of dance NPOs.