Media Release For Immediate Release 27 June 2024
The Arts & Culture Trust announces the mentors for its prestigious ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
For the 2024 edition of the annual ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP), the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) received 150 applications for the following 4 short-term positions: artistic director, stage manager, visual and digital arts mentor, and performing arts assistant mentor.
After weeks of interviews, ACT is pleased to announce the following 2 programme mentors: Zanele Mashumi – Visual and Digital Arts Mentor, and Grant Towers – Performing Arts Assistant Mentor.
The ACT NSP artistic director and stage manager will be announced in due course.
Zanele Mashumi is a fine arts graduate, experienced curator, and art dealer with an extensive background in project management and exhibition curation. In 2013 she founded her own art organisation, which has since hosted numerous pop-up exhibitions in Gauteng. Through this organisation Mashumi has been involved in several remarkable projects to support artists.
Grant Towers has been active in the live performance industry for over a decade, frequently treading Gauteng’s stages in pantomimes, musical theatre productions and operas. Grant won a SATMAG award for best supporting actor in a musical in 2016 for his performance in Altyd in my Drome. With his performances in Chicago: The International Tour (Amos Hart, 2018–2020) and Pinocchio (Arletti Spaghetti, 2017) he landed 2 Naledi nominations, in 2018 and 2020 respectively. His talents also extend to dubbing and directing advertisements, television, education, and film.
Grant Towers will be joined by seasoned musical theatre actress, singer, and dancer Samantha Peo who returns to the programme as Head Performing Arts Mentor, working closely with Towers to support the roll-out of the new performing arts training component targeted at artistically gifted youth not pursuing tertiary education. Furthermore, as part of this year’s scholarship programme, ACT will roll out a digital immersive technologies training curriculum in partnership with South African tech company Soda Studios, aiming to equip visual and performing arts participants with job-ready skills in the digital and mixed reality art space. The Mixed Reality and artificial intelligence (AI) course will be conducted by company founder Michael Balkind, who brings extensive experience in the arts, culture, marketing and immersive technologies space.
‘We are thrilled to welcome Grant, Zanele and Michael to the ACT NSP,’ says ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen. ‘The expansion of the ACT NSP Programme to include the training group and mixed reality as well as artificial intelligence is not only a definitive step towards equitable access to quality training for our youth, but also a provocative step in preparing our artistic youth for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The trust is committed to shaping a narrative for artists that enable them to take atvantage of emerging industries alongside more traditional formats.’
The ACT NSP is an undergraduate scholarship programme aimed at providing opportunities for qualifying school-leavers, aged 17–25 years, to pursue a tertiary qualification in the visual and performing arts. Run in partnership with Nedbank, Sun International, and MTN South Africa, as well as Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), the ACT NSP 2024 joint initiative creates an opportunity to fund higher education for young South African performing artists as well as visual and digital artists. One successful applicant in each category will receive an undergraduate scholarship valued at up to R300 000 to study at an accredited tertiary South African arts institution of their choice.
The theme for the 2024 ACT NSP is #NyolohaAfrica: Our canvas, our voice, our future. It’s time to reimagine South Africa through the voices and creativity of the ACT NSP candidates. Think African modes of storytelling, performance, and visual art connected with immersive technologies. This theme aims to propel the significant responsibility and collaborative role that the ACT and its partners, including Nedbank, Sun International, MTN and BASA, play in shaping the futures of South African youth positively by encouraging them to be proactive agents of a digital, innovative and sustainable future through art.
From 8 June to 17 August 2024, during the bi-weekly Saturday workshops that will be facilitated by the mentors and artistic director, participants are encouraged to explore activities centred around the 2024 theme. Every month the mentors will evaluate workshop outputs. Then the 15 finalists will be selected to participate in a final week of intensive workshops, tours and rehearsals that will culminate in a performance showcase at the Mardi Gras Theatre at Carnival City and exhibition at the MTN Innovation Centre, Roodepoort between 26 and 28 September.
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, says: ‘One of South Africa’s greatest riches is our young singers, dancers, actors and visual and digital artists. The accomplished ACT Nyoloa Scholarship mentors work with up to 85 of the selected applicants to grow their incredible potential, including their artistry, self-development, entrepreneurship, people management, and marketing and communication skills. There are 2 scholarships to be won in the finals, but the goal of this programme is to engage with all of these young artists to empower them in their journey to achieve successful and sustainable careers.’
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International, says: ‘Through the ACT NSP talented and ambitious young people from across the country are introduced to the world of professional arts as they are guided and educated through a professional mentorship. It is partnerships with ACT, Nedbank, and industry experts at the grassroot level that sow seeds to help create better, brighter futures.’
‘We congratulate and thank ACT on their selection of this year’s NSP mentors and look forward to working with such valued veterans from the creative industry sector. The privilege of being led and mentored should never be underestimated for the opportunity it provides a young developing professional to eventually also lead and mentor. At the MTN SA Foundation we believe in valuable strategic partnerships, such as with ACT, that enable such mentorships, and a chance for industry leaders and specialists to contribute towards the socioeconomic development of our youth,’ says Niel Nortjé, Manager of the MTN Art Collection.
To keep in touch with ACT, visit their website, follow them on X, or like their Facebook page. ENDS
#ACTnyoloha #NyolohaAfrica #ACTSAtalent #Nedbank #NedbankArts #SunInternational #BizArt #actstrat
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SUBMITTED BY: Debra de Souza, debranne@icon.co.za, WhatsApp calls only: 082 822 9478.
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Over 30 years of arts support – Arts & Culture Trust
ACT is South Africa’s premier independent arts development and investment organisation. Its focus 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, management, education as well as administration. For more information, visit the ACT website, follow them on X or like their Facebook page.
About Nedbank
In partnership with ACT, the Nedbank Arts Affinity has donated more than R28 million to support over 830 arts, culture and heritage development projects countrywide. If you want 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 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, the ACT Thuthukisani Programme and the ACT Tlholo Project. For more information download the Nedbank Money app, visit any Nedbank branch, call us on 0860 555 111 or visit nedbankarts.co.za.
About Business and Arts South Africa
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts and from businesses operating in South Africa. Constituted in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008, BASA is registered as a public benefit organisation. BASA champions business investment within the arts and cultural and heritage sector, driving focused and sustained partnerships by unlocking shared value and fostering social cohesion. For more information, go to basa.co.za.
About Sun International
The Sun International brand has a proud legacy in the gaming, hospitality, conferencing, leisure and entertainment sectors. Sun International’s iconic properties, such as the world-famous Palace of The Lost City Hotel at Sun City and the magnificent Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town – situated on the water’s edge of the V&A Waterfront, have become synonymous with luxury, comfort and outstanding service, firmly establishing the group’s position as an internationally recognised premium brand.
Sun International’s diverse South African property portfolio includes 15 hotels, 2 premier resorts and 11 well-located casinos – all of which offer modern, fully equipped conferencing and banqueting facilities, while the Sun Vacation Club at Sun City is now a leading timeshare model in the country.
The group is also a local industry leader in online gaming offering the latest global technology in betting. Through its SunBet platform, Sun International also offers the most innovative and exciting online betting experience available.
The group has also set the standard for hosting events, and their world-class arenas remain the preferred venues for international events and shows. The 3 championship golf courses at the Sun City and Wild Coast Sun resorts regularly host large-scale golfing tournaments, including the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City, which is now part of the European Tour.
Whatever the activity, all Sun International’s properties and facilities offer a quality experience supported by authentic personal service. Most Valued Guests (MVG) are rewarded with exclusive offers and preferential rates through the MVG loyalty programme, designed exclusively for Sun International gaming patrons.
Sun International’s MVG programme celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, making it the oldest loyalty programme in the country. In February 2021 Sun International joined the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of an award-winning, multi-brand loyalty programme called ‘Discovery’. Through GHA, Sun International can now participate in a network with 17 million members that operate in 85 countries.
Sustainability and community involvement form an integral part of the group’s corporate culture. Through collaborative partnerships with government and local business, Sun International’s SED and environmental initiatives ensure scarce environmental resources are never wasted, and the group is committed to providing ongoing and meaningful support to vulnerable communities throughout South Africa.
About MTN South Africa
Launched in 1994, MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
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About Soda Studios
Soda Studios is a primary platform for African creatives and producers to bring stories and performances to life with state-of-the-art, relevant and affordable technology, in a creative and fully immersive environment.
The new broadcast hub is designed with the sole purpose of taking African creativity to the world. With an aim to rekindle and further ignite the entertainment industry after the devastating effects of Covid-19 on its players, the studio provides top-notch technology in a safe environment that not only generates a once-off experience for the artist, but allows the viewer to watch, engage and act as a co-host alongside some of the finest talent in the country.
Of late, live digital music shows have taken taken off with great success – this is an area in which Soda Studios have already shown themselves to be a step ahead in terms of production values and quality. Full sets, green-screen graphics, staging and lighting elevate the productions and create not only a fantastic spot to perform in, but also a fully immersive experience of ‘TV show’ quality that brings the energy of the performance right into the viewer’s home through innovative broadcasting methods.
Producers, artists, storytellers, content creators and new-age broadcasters are encouraged to explore, use the space and create their own content and stories, all assisted through to broadcast.
Biographies
Grant Towers
Grant Towers has been active in the live performance industry for over a decade, frequently treading Gauteng theatre floorboards in pantomimes, musical theatre productions and operas. Notable productions in which he performed include Sound of Music, Spamalot, Avenue Q, Altyd in My Drome, Funny Girl, Chicago, Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio, and Adventures in Pantoland, and recently, Nkoli: A Vogue Opera.
Grant received a SATMAG award for best supporting actor in a musical in 2016 for his performance in Altyd in My Drome. For his performance in Chicago: The International Tour (Amos Hart, 2018−2020) and Pinocchio (Arletti Spaghetti 2017), he landed 2 Naledi nominations in 2018 and 2020 respectively. His talents also extend to dubbing, directing, advertisements, television, education and film.
Zanele Mashumi
Zanele Mashumi, a fine art graduate, is an experienced curator and art dealer with an extensive background in project management and exhibition curation. In 2013, she founded her own art organisation, which has since hosted numerous pop-up exhibitions in Gauteng. Through this organisation, Mashumi has been involved in several remarkable projects aimed at supporting artists.
Samantha Peo
Samantha Peo is a South African musical theatre actress, singer, and dancer with an illustrious career of over 30 years. With her roots in musical theatre she has played leading roles in a number of musicals including Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz, Crazy for You, Westside Story, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Chicago (Naledi and Fleur Du Cap awards, best actress in a musical for Roxie Hart and a Naledi Nomination for Velma Kelly), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Naledi Award nomination best actress in a musical), Aspects of Love, and Cabaret (Naledi and Fleur Du Cap awards best actress in a musical).
She has performed with orchestras across the country in various concerts, acted In television soaps, performed on international cruise ships, performed in concerts and reviews overseas, written and performed in one-woman cabarets, produced, and is one the most familiar faces on stages in, corporate theatre productions, awards evenings, and product launches in the country.
She can be seen on television as Isabella in Erfsondes 2, Laura in Season 2 of Ashes to Ashes, Nicci in Binnelanders, and season 6,7 and 8 of Strictly Come Dancing as a judge for SABC 3. She played the role of Isabella in the epic original South African musical, Calling Me Home at the Johannesburg Theatre, and co-created and manages a 9-piece live band called the Rockabilly Ravens.
She has also been profiled on television shows such as Mela, Man Cave and Jou Ma se Chef. Sam played the very coveted role of Velma Kelly in Chicago: The International Tour 2018–2020. She is one of a handful of actresses in the world who can claim to have played both roles, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, in full seasons of the show.
She most recently appeared in Kickstarts Pantomime at Monte Casino’s Teatro playing the evil Morgiana in Sinbad the Sailor, directed by Steven Stead. Her next musical theatre venture will be playing the role of Morticia in The Mothercity Productions run of The Addams Family in Cape Town at the end of 2024 into 2025.
Sam appeared every Wednesday during 2020 on the online TV Network @AndSceneLive andscene.live/soulsister with a chat show, Soul Sister, which she created alongside her fellow Chicago co-star, Carmen Pretorius. To view episodes of the show, go to andscene.live/soulsister.com.
She gives masterclasses on performance craft and is often invited to speak at festivals and high school awards evenings as an inspirational speaker to promote the importance of creative arts as a subject in schools. She was the adjudicator for singing for the first international Concours D’Arts for Reddam House from 2020 to 2022. You can find her presenting a course on ‘Lyric/Text Breakdown and Character Study’ on The Suitcase Club online training platform. thesuitcaseclub.co.za.
Catchup with Sam on her official Facebook fan page @Samantha Peo.
On Instagram @samanthapeo1
On X #sammybammy_peo
And her website samanthapeo.com.
You can also find her on YouTube and Soundcloud.
Michael Balkind
Michael Balkind is a trailblazer in immersive experiences, blending technology and culture to create groundbreaking platforms. From pioneering online communities with JHBLive to crafting cutting-edge mixed reality experiences with SodaWorld, Michael’s work bridges physical and digital realms. Recognised globally for his innovative approach, he champions the next generation of creatives through mentorship and thought leadership. With a multidisciplinary skill set spanning creative direction, technology, and community building, Michael continually redefines the boundaries of experience design.