The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International has since 1994 remained committed to supporting and championing excellence in the South African cultural and creative industries by providing arts training, mentorship, entrepreneurship development, financial support, and the awarding of prestigious awards to luminaries in the sector.

Now in 2024, in celebration of both ACT’s 30-year anniversary and South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, we proudly unveil the rebranded ‘ACT Luminary Awards’ in partnership with the South African Gallery of Legends and supported by Nedbank, Sun International and MTN South Africa, reviving the legacy of the annual ACT Awards.

These awards celebrate South African luminaries in the cultural and creative industries who continue to play an important role in preserving, growing and promoting our arts, culture, heritage, and excellence in arts entrepreneurship.

The ACT Luminary Awards welcome nominations in 4 categories:

• Excellence in the Arts
• Excellence in Arts Entrepreneurship
• Life Time Achievement Award
• Excellence in Arts Advocacy

We will profile 3 nominees per category leading up to the Awards Gala Dinner to be hosted in October 2024, where 1 award recipient will be awarded per category.

Recognising artists and arts organisations excelling in various disciplines, focusing on artistic excellence, innovation, and positive community and sector impact:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-45 years.
• Disciplines: Performing arts, music, visual arts, and literature.
• Requirements: Minimum of 2 years of proven projects or professional work.
• Residency: Must be based in South Africa (SA citizens) but can operate internationally.

Celebrating entrepreneurial achievements in the cultural and creative industries, rewarding innovation, impact, and sustainability:

• Eligibility: No age restriction.
• Disciplines: Singular or multi-discipline businesses.
• Requirements: Companies must be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and be SARS-compliant with a minimum of 3 years of operation.
• Residency: Must be based in South Africa (Run by SA citizens) but can operate internationally.

Recognising exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions and left a lasting impact on the arts and culture sector of South Africa:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 55 years and above.
• Disciplines: Performing arts, music, visual arts, multidisciplinary, and literature.
• Requirements: Minimum proven track record of 20 years on projects or professional work.
• Residency: Must be based in South Africa (SA citizens) but can operate internationally.

Recognising arts administrators, art activists, and arts organisations advocating for the development of the arts, culture, and heritage sector, focusing on artistic excellence and positive community impact:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 28-75 years.
• Disciplines: Theatre, music, visual arts, digital arts, indigenous art forms, media, and literature.
• Requirements: Minimum of 7 years of proven projects or professional work.
• Residency: Must be based in South Africa (SA citizens) but can operate internationally.

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Previous ACT Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Previous ACT Awards recipients (other categories)