Millions available in support of arts and culture

THE KZN Arts and Culture Department asks non-profit organisations and cooperatives, which mainly assist people living with disabilities in the province, to apply for funding through its Grant-In-Aid programme.

The annual project is part of the department’s development plan which aims to support emerging arts and culture organisations.

The amount of R1.798-million has been set aside to achieve this in the 2014/2015 financial year.

According to KZN Arts and Culture Department Media Liaison Lethukuthula Mtshali, the allocation of these funds is dependent on a number of criteria.

‘Organisations that create job opportunities, as well those whose beneficiaries are targeted more toward women, the youth and people living with disabilities, will be given first preference,’ he said.

The KZN Arts and Culture Council is an independent body appointed by MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha. It administers the distribution of the funds and also monitors the use thereof.

‘Members of the council ensure the money is used effectively by conducting random visits to the grant beneficiaries throughout the year.

Groups that have been funded twice will not be considered, with the exception of organisations in rural areas that have shown significant merit,’ said Mtshali.

Application forms can be collected from the department’s regional offices across KZN or downloaded from the department’s website.

The deadline for submissions is the 13 June.