ACT Thuthukisani Programme

Applications for the ACT Thuthukisani Programme “Atologa 2024” are officially closed until 2025, when the next open call cycle opens. Both registered and non-registered businesses/companies are welcome to apply.

About the Programme

Thuthukisani is a call to action taken from the Zulu word Thuthukisa (verb) means Develop

The ACT Thuthukisani Programme, supported by Nedbank, was created to invest in a selected group of registered or non-registered arts businesses and artists from all nine provinces of South Africa, to implement and execute their chosen projects in a strategic and sustainable way, the goal being to deliver a profitable product over a 90-day period.

The programme requires participants to switch gear into proactive, creative solutions and opportunities to create profitable products and projects through training and mentorship. Throughout this process, projects that illustrate viability and merit will be selected for a monetary investment to roll out their project over a 90-day period.

Categories considered for application: 

  1. Applicants:
  • Formal (registered and fully compliant with SARS and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission).
  • Informal (not registered with SARS or the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission CIPC or SARS).
  • Community Arts Centres.
  1. Applicants must be in the Arts and Culture sector, and under the following disciplines:
  • Visual/Digital Arts: ceramics, drawing, painting, sculptures, printmaking, photography.
  • Digital Arts: making use of technology in creative and art making, ranging across a variety of media including digital painting, animations, photo painting, illustrations, photos, videos, and even sculpture.
  • Performing arts: performance in front of a public audience; may be live or digital, including e.g. dance, acting, musical theatre, spoken word, stand-up comedy, etc.
  • Music: arrangement of sound (vocal or instrumental) to form a functional melodic line.
  1. Arts and/or Culture MUST be the CORE element:

Music videos or documentaries about animals, for example, are not eligible for consideration into the ACT Thuthukisani Programme.

     4. MUST be a South African National:

Only South African nationals may apply and projects must take place in South Africa. The allocation of programme slots is at the discretion of the ACT board of Trustees. The decision about all applications for participation is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Programmes

ACT | Building Blocks

ACT | Thuthukisani

ACT | Nyoloha

ACT | Warrior Wall

ACT | Centre Of Excellence (ACT CoE)

View Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the applications opening?
Applications to open towards the end of 2025. Please be on the lookout for our social media posts and press releases.
Is the programme only for those in the arts industry?
The Programme is open to organisations/individuals with arts and culture as the core element.
Who is eligible to apply?
Formal organisations (fully registered and compliant with SARS and CIPC), information organisations, and Community Arts Centres (CACs) may apply for the ACT Thuthukisani Programme.
How long will roll out take?
Applications will go live on the ACT Thuthukisani Programme webpage, with dates for the next Programme iteration being released/confirmed via social media posts and the relevant ACT Thuthukisani Programme press release.
Is there an age restriction?
Age is not a factor for applying for the ACT Thuthukisani Programme.
What are the selection criteria?
The following will be considered when selecting applicants onto the ACT Thuthukisani Programme:
  • Project outline/idea must support assets that contribute to successful implementation; it must be clear and specific.
  • Include a budget and budget implementation plan, considering cost-saving assets.
  • Potential to generate income over a 90-day period.
  • Ability to benefit from mentoring to impact project’s income generation.
  • Adaptable to current circumstances (e.g., COVID, loadshedding, economic instability).
  • Supports long-term sustainability and growth of the business.
How many organisations/individuals could be selected?
The total intake for the next iteration will be confirmed in due time. Check ACT Thuthukisani Programme media/press releases and social media posts for updates.
Can individuals/businesses that were part of the programme apply again?
Past Programme participants (2021–2024) will not be eligible for re-application. Only new applicants could be eligible. T&Cs apply.
What is expected of me during the training & final investment and project implementation phase?
100% participation and engagement is expected. Non-compliance may result in removal. Each phase may include compulsory surveys, group/individual assignments, and progress reports during the final investment and project implementation.
Will I have any assistance when implementing my project?
Business and professional mentorship will be offered. Participants are responsible for putting in 100% effort while working with mentors/coaches.
Is there a registration fee to participate in the programme?
Registration fee details will be confirmed as part of the new programme strategy. Watch ACT social media and press releases for updates.
What is the maximum amount that we can apply for?
Investment amounts for project implementation will be confirmed in due time. Check social media and press releases for more information.
What is the minimum or maximum amount that's supposed to be generated?
There is no maximum. The minimum is to at least break even with the invested amount. Profit is calculated once the investment is achieved.
Are the community centers also required to produce profit like a business?
The main focus of the ACT Thuthukisani Programme is sustainability and income generation.
Does ACT offer any support to NPOs or is the Programme solely for profit earning startups?
ACT supports NPOs as long as profits are ploughed back into their programmes and operational sustainability.
I am working on an environmental awareness animation project… Is it possible to support making merchandise to sell during the 90 days?
Diversification is important. You can commercialise different aspects of your product even while still developing it to generate income.
What happens if I have loadshedding and cannot attend training sessions? Will this be reflected in my attendance record?
We advise pre-planning and finding alternative spaces. Creativity in problem-solving is expected. Clients need to be available even when challenges like loadshedding occur.

The ACT Thuthukisani Programme is proudly supported by Nedbank through the Nedbank Arts Affinity programme.

You can support the arts at no cost to you by linking your Nedbank account to the Arts Affinity. Click on the logo for more information on how to do this!

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