Stand a chance to win a fully paid undergraduate scholarship

Applicants interested in participating in The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2023 should keep an eye out for the open call for applications, which will be launched on the ACT website in late January.

The programme is a partnership between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity that was launched earlier this year and is sponsored by Nedbank and Sun International.

This collaborative initiative provides a means to fund higher education for young South African performers and visual and digital artists. One successful applicant in each category, namely performing arts and visual or digital arts, will receive a fully paid scholarship to study at a South African arts tertiary or accredited institution of their choice.

The ACT invites applications from young people with matric between the ages of 17 to 25 years who want to study towards a performing, visual or digital arts degree and want to pave their way to a sustainable arts future.
The programme includes a category for digital arts candidates.

Visual and digital arts candidates should prepare to submit their portfolios as specified in the official application criteria while performing arts candidates should prepare to submit two audition videos fitting the criteria.

Applicants must not be considered professional artists or performers and must be registered with a tertiary or accredited institution. To qualify, applicants must have passed matric with a university exemption.

Parental or guardian consent and a registration fee are required when applying to audition for a spot on the 2023 programme. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews via Zoom in the early part of next year.

The programme comprises online training and mentorship with industry heavyweights. Participants are required to engage actively and participate in tasks, which will be evaluated monthly using a rating system to choose the 15 programme finalists who will compete in a final performance showcase and visual or digital art exhibition where the winners in each of the two categories will be revealed.

Nyoloha means ‘rise’ in Sesotho, and the ACT NSP is part of the new ACT strategy to educate, uplift, and empower those interested in a career in the arts and culture sector. Graduates are equipped with life and business skills and can contribute to the growth and stimulation of the creative sector by facilitating knowledge-creation opportunities through tertiary education and work experience in the arts industry.

Marang Khwene, the winner of the 2022 ACT NSP performance art category, encourages all applicants to believe in themselves.

“Through all the crippling anxiety, fear, and self-doubt, throw yourself in the deep end and trust that your self-belief will carry you out. You are more powerful than you realise, so take the knowledge with you and move,” said Khwene.

Liam Rose, the winner of the visual arts category in 2022 said: “The ACT Nyoloha Programme was a phenomenal experience. Through it, I was able to view first-hand the incredible talent and wealth of artists residing in South Africa.”

Rose said on the journey of engaging with fellow creatives and wonderous mentors, he was able to gather knowledge that drove him to be a better artist.

“I also think the programme made me more socially aware of South Africa’s position in the art world. Overall, I loved the journey and enjoyed the learning experience. I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of the programme and look forward to using what I’ve learnt in my future studies,” said Rose.

ACT interim CEO Jessica Denyschen said the ACT and Nedbank scholarships have been available since 2009.

“The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship not only provides tertiary opportunities for emerging artists, but the programme also nurtures their professional and individual development. The programme was highly successful and next year’s programme promises to unearth, highlight and reward the immense talent of our country’s youth,” said Denyschen.

Fortnightly activities for the ACT NSP will be managed by ACT-appointed mentors who will engage regularly with mentees and provide professional support.

In the final week of each month, the work undertaken by the mentees is rated as part of the short-listing exercise. Students who don’t make the ratings will continue with the programme, but they will not be eligible for the finals.

The final week comprises masterclasses facilitated by industry leaders and will be attended by the 15 finalists, culminating in a gala function to announce the two winners of a fully paid scholarship to study at an arts institution of their choice in South Africa.

ACT, together with long-term partner Nedbank and returning partner Sun International, strongly believes in helping to build a better, more educated and sustainable arts industry in South Africa. The ACT NSP rewards commitment, excellence and growth potential. In addition to the scholarships, it also offers research grants and the creation of an alumni network.

Tobie Badenhorst, head of group sponsorships and cause marketing at Nedbank said the goal of the scholarship programme is to help talented young people in all art forms to graduate as global citizens in the arts, who not only excel in their art form but who are well prepared for the world of work, which includes self-development, people management, entrepreneurship, marketing and communication skills.

“This is why we offer mentorship training for up to 60 artists annually in the lead-up to the finals. Our goal is for all of them to enjoy a successful and sustainable career,” said Badenhorst.

Heidi Edson, group socio-economic development specialist at Sun International said that they are immensely proud to be associated with the programme and they are delighted by the work that the Arts & Culture Trust is doing to further it.

“All 54 participants in 2022 were outstanding and we wish the two final bursary winners every success in the future. As one of the founding members of the Trust, we look forward to future partnerships and collaboration with them,” said Edson.

Diarise to visit www.act.org.za in January 2023 to view the ACT NPS open-call details and start paving your way to a brighter future. #ACTnyoloha #actstrat #ACTSAtalent #NedbankArtsAffinity.