Deadline: March 31, 2023
Arts & Culture Trust extends the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme deadline to March 31, 2023
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP), a partnership between ACT and the Nedbank Arts Affinity, sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), was received with an overwhelming response. As word has spread throughout the country, more and more young artists want to apply for the programme, and the good news is that the deadline for applications has been extended to March 31, 2023.
To help applicants and make the process easier, the application form was simplified. You now need fewer supporting documents to apply and the application fee was also waived, allowing those who experience financial hardship to apply as well. Applicants who have already paid their application fees will be reimbursed in full.
Since equal participation in the programme is paramount, applicants don’t have to attend school to apply, but matriculants with university exemption and young people between the ages of 17 and 25 who want to study towards a degree in performing, visual or digital arts starting in the 2024 academic year are encouraged to apply as soon as possible on the ACT website at act.org.za/Nyoloha
Applicants who are younger than 18 will need their parents’ or guardians’ consent to apply.
Applicants in the visual and digital arts category must submit a portfolio with four of their artworks, and applicants in the performing arts category must submit two audition videos that meet certain criteria. Professional artists (full-time employed artists), youth who are already registered and studying at a tertiary or an accredited institution and those who already have a degree in the arts can unfortunately not apply for the programme.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews via Zoom and 75 applicants who pass the audition phase will then participate in a bi-weekly professional mentorship and training programme on Saturdays for three months so that it doesn't interfere with school or work. The programme consists of online training and mentorship with industry experts, and the participants will be evaluated on certain tasks every month.
A total of 15 finalists will then be chosen to compete in a final performance showcase and art exhibition in Johannesburg, with ACT covering their travel, accommodation and food expenses. During the gala evening to showcase their talent, one winner in each category (performing arts and visual and digital arts) will be announced, and the winners will each receive a fully paid scholarship of up to R350,000 to study at a tertiary or an accredited South African arts institution of their choice.
Jessica Denyschen, interim Chief Executive of ACT says that the response to the open call has been very pleasing. “We have been inundated with enquiries, and waiving the application fee enables many more talented youth to benefit from not only the potential scholarship, but also the valuable training programme. The ACT NSP nurtures young talent in their personal and professional development, exposing the industry to them in a guided way. The networking, development and peer relationships are what knit together the way in which we take care of our artists and, with the right support and mentoring, they will achieve incredible success.”
Previous finalists and winners of the scholarship programme include notable names such as Wonder Ndlovu (actor in Gomora), Dillon Windvogel (actor in Blood & Water), Tankiso Mamabolo (musician), Nkosinathi Nzima (visual artist), Liam Rose (visual artist) and Marang Khwene (dancer) who are all making waves in the local and international art fraternity.
Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank, says that talented youth, whether in the visual or digital arts or in the dance, drama, music, singing or performance categories, are all encouraged to apply. “In addition to the chance of winning one of the scholarships, 75 applicants will receive life-changing professional training and mentorship to help them become artists who not only excel in their artform but are also well prepared for the world of work. This includes self-development, people management, entrepreneurship, marketing and communication skills. The goal of the ACT NSP is to help the youth achieve successful and sustainable careers.”
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Manager at Sun International, says that the teams at ACT, Sun International and Nedbank are dedicated to the upliftment of grassroots talent. “We applaud their efforts to encourage and accommodate more applicants.”
Time is moving fast, so apply today.
Visit act.org.za and start impACTing your future in a positive way! #ACTnyoloha #ACTonyourfuture #actstrat #ACTSAtalent #NedbankArtsAffinity #NedbankArts #SunInternational
To link direct to the ACT website click on the ACT logo to the right of this article.
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