Dumisani Theatre acknowledges students for completion of arts entrepreneurial workshops
The programme was designed to provide information and skills development to emerging artists and arts organisations.
City of Ekurhuleni Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture acknowledged 17 students for completion of the Ekurhuleni Arts Entrepreneurial Workshops.
The handing over of the certificates and graduation day was held at the Dumisani Masilela Theatre in Germiston recently.
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Tu Nokwe, known for her iconic creation of the original Sarafina cast, also attended.
Eighty entrants from each region were selected to enrol in the programme, then 20 from each region were selected, and only 17 graduated in the first phase.
Pascar Dube, performing arts and interim GM at the theatre, said the programme was designed to provide information and skills development to emerging artists and arts organisations (potential future co-facilitators) in the Ekurhuleni region.
“The workshops accommodated up to 20 participants per session in a region. The programme helps to develop arts practitioners and arts organisations in our region with skills to cultivate their ideas into venture implementation,” said Dube.
“The mission is to give equal access to opportunities in the arts communities in our region, to reach out to young artists in rural and peri-urban areas with a previously disadvantaged background.
“Phase two will focus on the revision and assessment of the co-facilitators and identification of community arts organisations that will facilitate the programme in phase three,” said Dube.
Nokwe shared how excited she was to be part of such a ceremony and commended the city and theatre management for investing in their community leaders.
She also commended the 17 certificate recipients for their dedication and perseverance.
“What excites me more is what the city is doing in the arts sector. This will benefit the country in a major way. We will be able to source facilitators on our doorsteps. It is exciting to see young people invested in arts and want to know the business side,” said Nokwe.
Lebohang Machedi from Katlehong and founder of Mac Arts Productions said their organisation is one of many in the city that aims to develop young talent from the grassroots level.
“It is exciting that we did not have to travel far to be equipped with such skills and knowledge. Applying the skills I’ve learnt will improve my organisation,” said Machedi.
