LAUNCH OF ACT | DALRO PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

ACT and DALRO make exciting announcement for aspiring performing artists around the country.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in association with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) has proudly announced the launch of a new Scholarship Programme which kicks off in 2009 with the ACT l DALRO Performing Arts Scholarship. For the next three years, 2009 to 2011, one student at tertiary entry level will, annually, be awarded a grant of R75,000 towards the costs of their undergraduate studies in Performing Arts at a leading accredited tertiary institution of their choice.

"Being a recipient of such a scholarship myself a number of years ago, I know the immense value, and am now proud to be part of this programme, which will see ACT identifying young emerging artists based on merit, and assisting them at this critical juncture in their educational and professional development", said Pieter Jacobs, Projects Manager of The Arts & Culture Trust.

Learners around the country, in their final year of secondary education will participate in a national competition where they will be assessed on their singing, dancing and acting potential. Individuals who have experience in the performing arts, but who are not currently registered for a degree are also eligible and are encouraged to enter.

During 2009 the first regional round will be held at the South African National Schools Festival in Grahamstown between July 12 and 16. Subsequent regional rounds will follow in Durban and Johannesburg between July 17 and 25. The first round of the competition will rotate annually among the geographical regions in South Africa. Selected finalists must be available for the final round which will take place in Johannesburg during September 2009. ACT will cover the costs of travel and accommodation for finalists. A limited number of registrations will be subsidised.

The closing date for registrations is April 30. Rules of the competition, guidelines for preparation and all the relevant registration forms can be downloaded from http://www.act.org.za/resources_downloads.htm

Further information from Pieter Jacobs at 011 802 7646 or e-mail pieter@act.org.za

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier, independent arts and culture funding and development agency and was started to secure financial and other resources for arts, culture and heritage. Former President Nelson Mandela, who originally endorsed the initiative, served as the Patron-in-Chief till 1999. During that time ACT was known as The Arts & Culture Trust of the President. Internationally acclaimed South African playwright Athol Fugard is now Patron of the Trust.