Over the couple of months, Durban arts practitioners and many members of the public have been offering their input to a survey sponsored by the Bartel Arts Trust which aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the performing arts in Durban.

The survey has as its theme "What's Right with the Arts in Durban? What's Wrong with the Arts in Durban? And do we know why?". So far, the public has been approached in various shopping centres and at the Hilton Arts and Awesome Africa festivals

The survey is conducted in association with Illa Thompson and Publicity Matters with the support of the KZN branch of the Performing Arts Network of SA (PANSA).

The end result of the survey will shed light on many unanswered questions in the industry from the public's perspective. The public questionnaires coupled with information obtained from arts practitioners will be available in a data format for information to all interested people.

Questionnaires are now available in many libraries in KZN and those wishing to support the performing arts and offer their opinions are urged to visit their local library and complete a questionnaire.

Anyone who can help get questionnaires completed in their particular field of operation - say at work, club, social group, etc. should contact the survey facilitator Thomie Holtzhausen at thomie@worldonline.co.za or 082 805-2888 or Sue Holloway at artSMart offices on 031 261-6036 or e-mail csmart@iafrica.com