Closing date for lucrative R350 000 Arts & Culture Trust scholarship for matriculants fast approaching
By CityLIfe Arts Writer
Talented young matriculants who have not yet taken the opportunity to give a shot to the lucrative scholarship call by Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) better do it now because the closing date is fast approaching.
The Arts & Culture Trust’s Nyoloha Scholarship Programme call, one of the most lucrative on the education scene, aimed at matriculants accepted to study at a tertiary institution, closes on 10 March 2023.
“Time waits for no one! This is an urgent reminder to all matriculants with university exemptions and young people between the ages of 17 to 25 wishing to study towards a performing, visual or digital arts degree starting in the 2024 academic year. The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) 2023 open call closes on 10 March 2023. Avoid disappointment – apply today on the ACT website at www.act.org.za/nyoloha.
The ACT NSP is a partnership between ACT and the Nedbank Arts Affinity, sponsored by Nedbank and Sun International. Digital arts candidates are required to submit their portfolios comprising four artworks, while candidates in the performing arts category must submit two audition videos fitting the criteria,” ACT said in a statement released yesterday, February 23, 2023.
One successful applicant in each category – that is performing, visual or digital arts – will receive a fully paid scholarship of up to R350 000 to study at a tertiary or accredited South African arts institution of their choice. To qualify for the scholarship, you must not be considered a professional artist and cannot already be registered and studying at a tertiary or accredited institution.
Parental or guardian consent (if under the age of 18) and a registration fee of R100 are required when applying to audition for a spot on the 2023 programme. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews via Zoom at a date and time to be scheduled. The programme is comprised of online training and mentorship with industry experts. Those in the programme are required to engage actively and participate in tasks, on which they will be evaluated monthly. Through this process 15 programme finalists will be chosen and they will compete in a final performance showcase and visual or digital arts exhibition where the winners of the scholarship in each of the two categories will be revealed. The 15 finalists will visit Johannesburg for the final week of training and gala preparation, with ACT covering travel, accommodation and catering. The 2023 NSP culminates in a gala evening and talent showcase that is sure to be etched in the memories of the finalists, especially the winners of the two scholarships.
“The response so far has been phenomenal and we encourage qualifying candidates not to miss the closing date of 10 March 2023. This is an opportunity that could positively impact their lives and lay the path for a bright future in the arts and culture industry,’ says ACT interim CEO Jessica Denyschen.
Fortnightly activities for the ACT NSP will be managed by ACT-appointed mentors, who will engage regularly with mentees and provide professional support. In the final week of each month the work undertaken by the mentees will be rated as part of the shortlisting exercise. Students who don’t make the ratings will continue with the programme, but they will not be eligible for the finals.
“Projects like the Nyoloha scholarship are incredibly important because it gives young artists, like me, of all crafts across South Africa an incredible opportunity to sharpen our skills and further our education in our respective fields. We need to generate and enable artists in South Africa to truly improve the field and environment of the arts,’ says Liam Rose, winner of the 2022 ACT NSP in the digital arts category.
“Initiatives like this are important because the learning and growing that occur throughout the entire process all the way to the finals are immensely beneficial in the development of young people,’ says Marang Khwene, the 2022 ACT NSP Performing Arts winner. ‘Win or not, no one can say that they did not benefit from the abundance of guidance and wisdom that the Nyoloha programme provided us with from beginning to end.’
ACT, together with long-term partner Nedbank and returning partner Sun International, strongly believes in supporting and enabling a resilient, knowledgeable, professional and sustainable arts industry in South Africa. The ACT NSP rewards commitment, excellence and growth potential. In addition to the scholarships, it offers research grants and an alumni network.
Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank, says: ‘Whether you are in the visual or digital arts or dance, drama, music, singing or performance, we encourage you to apply. In addition to a chance at winning one of the scholarships, up to 75 applicants will receive life-changing professional training and mentorship to help them graduate as global citizens in the arts who not only excel in their artform but also are well prepared for the world of work.
This includes self-development, people management, entrepreneurship, marketing and communication skills. The goal of the ACT Nyoloha scholarship programme is to help all of you to achieve a successful and sustainable career.’
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development (SED) Manager at Sun International, says: “We have immense talent in this country and Sun International is extremely proud and grateful to be part of a programme such as the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship where the development of artistic talent is nurtured and nourished. We are committed to supporting the Arts & Culture Trust in the important and impactful work they do and look forward to growing this partnership.”
The 10th of March is around the corner, so apply today! Visit www.act.org.za and start positively impACTing your future! #ACTnyoloha #ACTonyourfuture #actstrat #ACTSAtalent #NedbankArtsAffinity #SunInternational