MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 30 July 2024
Arts & Culture Trust announces immediate training for creatives
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), supported by Nedbank, is excited to announce its training programme for cultural and creative entrepreneurs. Having started on 8 of July 2024 and part of the ACT Thuthukani Atologa Programme, the training kicked off with a cohort of 50 selected businesses from the visual, digital, performing arts, and music disciplines. The ICRD Group Foundation and Startup Business Campus are the training provider delivering a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower and elevate these businesses.
The 50 businesses were meticulously selected from a pool of applicants based on stringent selection criteria that included both formal (registered with the South African Revenue Service and Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and informal (not registered) arts organisations and individuals, as well as community arts centres. The selection process focused on the viability and sustainability of the proposed projects, their potential for income generation, and the ability of the participants to benefit from individual mentoring and training. Each selected business has demonstrated a strong existing client base and a core focus on arts and culture, with projects that are adaptable to current national circumstances and challenges.
The training programme, facilitated by the ICRD Group Foundation, spans 3 months, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to launch profitable businesses within 90 days. The comprehensive training encompasses various elements, including creative and business strategy sessions to foster creativity while building strong business foundations, hands-on project validation workshops to refine project ideas with expert feedback, financial planning training on creating realistic budgets and understanding investor relations, and 1-on-1 mentorship sessions for personalised guidance and support. Additionally, the training will prepare participants to pitch their projects to potential investors and funding entities.
The training includes elements of an ideathon, bootcamp, coaching sessions, masterclasses, and pitching opportunities. Industry experts are invited to provide expert advice in the 4 disciplines, ensuring that participants receive high-quality, relevant insights and guidance. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that participants can effectively develop and implement their projects over a 90-day period, ultimately leading to the creation of profitable and sustainable businesses. This programme is conducted online, allowing participants from all over South Africa, across all 9 provinces, to take part.
Sustaining businesses in the arts and culture sector is crucial for several reasons. The arts and culture sector contributes significantly to the economy by creating jobs, attracting tourism, and generating revenue through various channels. Sustainable arts businesses play a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. Additionally, arts businesses often serve as community hubs, fostering social cohesion and providing platforms for diverse voices and stories. A thriving arts sector encourages innovation and creativity, driving progress and inspiring future generations. Sustainable businesses can better navigate challenges and uncertainties, ensuring long-term success and impact.
ACT is committed to the growth and sustainability of the arts and culture sector in South Africa. We encourage all stakeholders, community members, and supporters of the arts to engage with and support this initiative. Follow our journey and witness the transformation of these 50 businesses as they embark on this empowering journey. For more information about the ACT Thuthukisani Atologa Programme, or to learn how you can support and get involved, please visit our website at act.org.za. ENDS
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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.
Media Contacts:
Palesa Molefe, ACT Programmes Manager
Email: palesa@act.org.za
Keitumetse Mbatha, ACT Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
Email: marketing@act.org.za
About Nedbank
In partnership with ACT, the Nedbank Arts Affinity has donated more than R30 million over 30 years to support over 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide. If you would like to make a difference in 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, visit any Nedbank branch, call us on 0860 555 111, or visit nedbankarts.co.za.
About ICRD Group Holdings
ICRD Group Foundation, a leader in sustainable development, collaborates with Start Up Business Campus to foster economic, social, and ecological value in Southern Africa. The foundation implements scalable, market-based solutions to address pressing regional challenges, while Start Up Business Campus empowers entrepreneurs by providing essential resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Together, they drive transformative change and innovation, promoting inclusive growth and building resilient communities throughout the region.
Media Contact:
Agnes Nyathi
Portfolio Manager: Stakeholder and Media Relations
Email: agnes@icrdgroup.com
Phone: +27 62 476 4107 or+27 61 508 7496
ICRD Group Headquarters
Address: 2 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193.
Phone: +27 71 367 6352
Email: info@icrdgroup.com
Startup Business Campus
Address: The Mills, 66 Carr Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113.
Phone: +27 61 508 7496
Email: hello@startupbusinesscampus.com