For Immediate Release – 11 February 2026
Arts & Culture Trust opens applications for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has officially opened the highly anticipated applications for the 2026 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. Now in its fifth iteration, the programme aims to identify, support, and develop exceptional artistic talent by providing access to accredited tertiary education, professional mentorship, and career development opportunities. Each scholarship is fully paid covering tuition and study materials only, supporting studies in performing, visual, and digital arts starting in 2027.
The 2026 theme, #NyolohaTranscends, draws on the Sesotho word ‘Nyoloha’, meaning ‘to rise’, and reflects ACT’s commitment to reaching talented young artists in communities where opportunity is limited but creative potential is abundant. It speaks to the organisation’s belief that artistic excellence exists everywhere and that, with the right support, artists can transcend barriers to access, training, mentorship and build sustainable creative careers.
Applications open: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Applications close: Sunday, 5 April 2026
Online applications: act.org.za/nyoloha
Eligible applicants include South African emerging artists aged 17 to 25 in the disciplines of acting, singing, dance as well as visual and digital arts who are either in matric or not yet studying art at a tertiary institution. This opportunity supports young artists who do not have the financial means to study towards a degree in arts.
‘Through the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, the ACT continues to enable young artists to transcend financial and structural barriers, strengthening access to professional development and career pathways,’ said Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. ‘Each year, we witness extraordinary artistic potential emerging from across the country and we remain committed to ensuring that this talent is recognised, supported, and able to flourish within South Africa’s creative industries.’ The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is delivered by ACT with the proud support of its strategic partners, including Nedbank and MTN South Africa.
‘In 2025, 60 performing, visual and digital artists from all 9 provinces were selected to participate in the 3-month training and mentorship that form part of the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme from which the scholarship winners were ultimately selected. The training and mentorship assist artists to take giant leaps forward in realising their worth and honing their talent for fulfilling careers in the creative industry,’ said Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of the Social Impact Unit at Nedbank.
‘As legacy organisations with a future focus, the MTN Foundation and ACT partnership continues to deliver on their strategic objective to participate in the socioeconomic development of our disenfranchised youth. The acceleration of digital transformation for art skills development, job creation, and the pursuit of employing digital solutions for the cultural and creative industries, remains a priority for this partnership. As the MTN Foundation, we are proud and excited to continue our contribution towards the ACT’s NSP,’ said Niel Nortjé, Manager of the MTN Art Collection.
ENDS
Celebrating 31 years of arts excellence – Arts & Culture Trust
The 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, as well as arts management, education, and 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, 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 R31 million over 31 years to support 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 0860 555 111 or go to nedbankarts.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 its customers. They are inspired by their 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’. Their strategy is Ambition 2026: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
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