Sasol Scifest 2002
Sasol
SciFest is a high-profile event during which scientists popularise
science, engineering and technology, thereby helping to promote a
much-needed culture of science in South Africa in a festive way.
The Festival was
made possible by the anchor sponsorship from Sasol Limited,
sub-sponsorship from the Department of Arts, Culture, Science &
Technology, and many other donations and donations-in-kind.
The 558 events on
offer were arranged into a Main Programme (organised by Sasol SciFest)
and a Fringe (organised by associated institutions in Grahamstown). It took place from 13 to 19 March. On the Main
Programme there were free, daily Morning Shows, Science Olympics,
Playfair, Primary School Quizzes, Raptor (bird) flying displays, Sunset
Shows and 34 interactive exhibitions. There were 16 free "talkshops", a
church service and a special street parade. The 18 lectures (for which
tickets cost only R5) were presented by nine international and six
South African scientists. Two discussions were led with panels
consisting of international and South African scientists. Other
bookings, which ranged from R3 (which only covers the ticket cost) to
R5 included two high school quizzes, 173 workshops, and 20 screenings
of films. Seven field-trips, three chemistry shows, Science and Society
discussions and a Youth Water Focus were included in the Special Extras
section.
The Fringe
programmes increased to four with the Rhodes University programme,
centred mainly in the Eden Grove Complex, and consisting of a large
composite exhibition, 57 workshops and 21 tours; the JLB Smith
Institute (now SA Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity) programme which
included five talkshops, 11 tours and three workshops; the National
English Literary Museum which presented daily story-telling, canon
firing and an exhibition of early agricultural technology; and St
Andrew's Preparatory School which presented a comprehensive programme
consisting of no less than 90 workshops.
Promotional
publications included a flyer, poster and the official programme - all
of which were produced in print form and electronically on the website.
More than 25 press releases were issued and appeared in local, regional
and national newspapers as well as on various news websites. The Mail
& Guardian and Die Burger produced special supplements, while
Rhodes University's Department of Journalism and Media Studies produced
SciCue daily during the Festival. The SAfm outside broadcasting unit
provided extensive coverage of the Festival. Television coverage
increased substantially as the SABC 2 Morning Live crew, which spent
several days at the Festival, broadcast live from the Monument. Good
publicity was received on local, regional and national radio. Media
Launches were held in four centres around the country. Sasol
SciFest-on-the-Road presentations were made in shopping malls in five
centres around the Eastern Cape to give the Festival advance publicity.
The project's
four permanent staff members were ably assisted by the Grahamstown
Foundation's financial, technical and administrative personnel, and 76
temporary staff. Of the latter, 62 were students performing
interpretive functions.
Festival venues
were the 1820 Settlers National Monument, Albany Science and History
Museums and the City Hall, whilst the Public Library and Drill Hall
were used for one event each.
It is
estimated that more than 45 000 people attended the Festival. A Visitor
Survey was conducted to determine the demographic profile, economic
impact and needs of Festival visitors. |
2010 programme
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