Creatively Bridging the Gaps for Young Creatives
Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and UJ Art Gallery Join Hands to Support Emerging Curators via Nyoloha Scholarship Finale
Johannesburg, 29 September 2025, The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is proud to announce a dynamic collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Art Gallery through the MTN x UJ Future Curators Programme. This initiative forms part of the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Visual Arts Finals Event, creating a powerful platform for emerging curatorial and artistic talent.
The MTN x UJ Future Curators Programme is a ten-day immersive experience that introduces senior high school learners to curatorial practice across Johannesburg’s leading professional art spaces. Participants engage in site visits, workshops, exhibition installation, and mentorship, concluding with a self-curated exhibition. By blending theory and hands-on experience, the programme nurtures the next generation of curators and provides an early foundation in professional practice.
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (“Nyoloha” means “Rise” in Sesotho) is one of South Africa’s most transformative initiatives for young creatives aged 17–25. Over a nine-month journey, participants receive structured mentorship, intensive training, and immersive workshops designed to prepare them for artistic and professional growth. Finalists gain the opportunity to present their work in a professional exhibition at the MTN Gallery, where their creativity and vision are showcased to industry leaders, peers, and the public. The 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Finals Exhibition will take place on 9 October 2025, forming part of an exciting finals week that includes adjudication, networking, and industry exposure. The ACT NSP is proudly supported by ACT founding Trustees Nedbank, Sun International and additional sponsors MTN Foundation and Business and Arts South Africa.
The highlight of the programme is the awarding of the prestigious ACT Nyoloha Scholarship, valued at R300,000, which covers tuition, registration, and study materials for undergraduate studies in the creative arts. Beyond the prize itself, the programme equips participants with the skills, confidence, and visibility to launch sustainable careers in the arts.
This collaboration is especially meaningful because it bridges a crucial gap in the creative ecosystem. The MTN x UJ Future Curators Programme nurtures high school learners through early exposure to curatorial practice, while the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme supports young artists at tertiary level with mentorship, training, and professional exhibition opportunities. One of the 2025 Future Curator participants will be awarded the opportunity to shadow the curator of the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Finals Exhibition from 6-9 October to gain further insight into the processes of curating.
By linking these two stages of development, ACT and UJ create a continuum of opportunity that connects aspiring curators and artists at pivotal moments in their growth. It represents a professional collaboration between two enabling institutions, united in their commitment to youth and the future of South African creativity.
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is made possible with the generous support of Nedbank and Sun International (founding trustees of ACT), as well as the MTN Foundation and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA).
Jessica Denyschen, CEO of the Arts & Culture Trust, said:
“At ACT we believe that when institutions doing great work come together, the impact multiplies. Partnering with the UJ Art Gallery through the MTN x UJ Future Curators Programme allows us to bridge programmes, share strengths, and create real value for emerging artists and curators.”
Dr. Dineke Orton, Curator of the UJ Art Gallery, said:
“We are delighted to partner with ACT in creating meaningful opportunities for young creatives and curators to engage with the art world and build professional careers. Collaboration is the key to unlocking even greater possibilities.”
ENDS
#ACTnyoloha #actstrat #ACTSAtalent #NedbankArtsAffinity
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SUBMITTED BY: Debra de Souza, debranne@icon.co.za, WhatsApp calls only: 082 822 9478.
EDITED BY: Arts & Culture Trust, info@act.org.za.
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About the Arts & Culture Trust – 31 years of supporting arts in South Africa
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent development and art 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. This support extends to festivals, community arts initiatives, arts management, arts education, and arts administration. Over the past 31 years ACT has supported more than 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide, including small businesses.
For more information, please visit the ACT website, follow them on X, or like their Facebook page.
About Nedbank
In partnership with ACT, the Nedbank Arts Affinity has contributed more than R30 million over 31 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 Thuthukisani Programme. For more information, visit any Nedbank branch, call us on 0860 555 111 or visitnedbankarts.co.za.
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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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 the local industry leader in online gaming. Thanks to the latest global technology, 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 three 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.
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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 socio-economic development 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.