FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 19 May 2022

 

THE ARTS & CULTURE TRUST EXTENDS THE ACT THUTHUKISANI PROGRAMME CYCLE 2 CLOSING DATE

 

The open call for cycle 2 of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Thuthukisani Programme, exclusively for artists from Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, opened on 25 April 2022. The closing date, originally 22 May, has now been extended to Friday, 27 May 2022. Application forms are available online at www.act.org.za/thuthukisani and outcomes will be announced in mid-June 2022.

 

The ACT Thuthukisani Programme, supported by Nedbank, was created to invest in a selected group of registered arts businesses and artists from three provinces, in a predetermined cycle, to implement and execute their chosen projects in a strategic and sustainable way, the goal being to deliver a profitable product in 90 days.

 

ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen says: ‘The Thuthukisani Programme demands significant commitment from successful applicants whose businesses meets the criteria. The programme requires participants to switch gear into proactive, creative solutions and opportunites to create profitable products and projects through training and mentorship. Throughout this process, projects that illustrate viability and merit will be selected for a monetary investment to roll out their project in 90 days. By extending the application period we are reaching out and encouraging arts business owners to take advantage of this structured and valuable opportunity.’

 

Only South African nationals from Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal with projects taking place in those provinces and who meet all the selection criteria may apply. Arts organisations and/or individuals must carry on an active, registered and compliant arts business (in terms of CIPC and SARS requirements) with an existing client base. The core business focus must be arts and culture.

 

It is important for applicants to be aware that project plans or ideas need to be further developed and executed within 90 days, while complying with all Covid-19 regulations. Participants must comply strictly with and attend all training and mentorship sessions.

 

Seven successful applicants from each province will receive thorough training and mentorship. The participants will then pitch their projects for the opportunity to be one of three projects in each province to receive a cash investment and ongoing mentorship for the artists for the duration of the project.

 

Selected applicants will need discipline and excellent communication skills and will be required to work with their mentors to develop their project plan. Acceptance into the programme does not guarantee monetary investment.

 

‘The Thuthukisani Programme has been a life-changing experience for me, especially the mentorship part of it. Not only did my business develop, but my life improved significantly. I learnt that the order in my life is reflected in my business. I am a better person through this programme, which means I have become an even better entrepreneur’, says Lethabo Ramokgopa, a delighted previous Thuthukisani Programme graduate.

The allocation of programme slots is at the discretion of the ACT board of trustees. The decision on all applications for participation is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Cycle 1 included North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The open call for the remaining three provinces will be released later this year.

 

To submit your Thuthukisani application or to simply keep in touch with the Arts & Culture Trust please visit the ACT website, follow ACT on Twitter or like the ACT Facebook page.

#actthuthukisani

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SUBMITTED BY:  Debra de Souza, debranne@icon.co.za, WhatsApp calls only: 0828229478

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Over 28 years of arts support

The ACT is South Africa’s premier independent development and arts investment organisation. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the capacity for arts and culture initiatives to create sustainable futures, through development and investment in innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. Through structured development programmes ACT provides support to all expressions of arts and culture, including literature, music, visual art, theatre and dance, and the support extends to festivals, community arts initiatives, arts management, arts education and arts administration. For more information, please visit the ACT website, follow them on Twitter or like their Facebook page.

 

ABOUT NEDBANK

In partnership with the ACT, the Nedbank Arts Affinity has donated more than R26 million to support over 830 arts, culture and heritage development projects countrywide. If you would like to make a difference to the lives of talented young artists in South Africa, simply link your Nedbank Greenbacks to the Arts Affinity and Nedbank will donate money to ACT, at no cost to you. The Arts Affinity currently supports the ACT Thuthukisani Programme and the ACT Tlholo Project. For more information, download the Greenbacks app, visit any Nedbank branch, call us on 0860 555 111 or visit nedbankarts.co.za.