Since 2009, the Arts and Culture Trust (Act) has supported students in the arts through their scholarship programme and, this year, more Grade 12 pupils, as well as first- and second-year university students can benefit.
The scholarship programme aims to change the lives of dramatic arts, singing, dance and musical theatre students with scholarships to the value of R800 000. This funding will be split with R279 000 contributing towards Grade 12 participants’ scholarships, and the balance awarded to first- and second-year performing arts students.
Tankiso Mamabolo, who received a scholarship in 2011 and who is now a successful working actress, believes that arts students should not let this opportunity pass them by. “The Arts and Culture Trust scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
“You get to work with amazing people who encourage you and help you be the best that you can be. It is also an achievement that stays with you for the rest of your career, as people know how prestigious the scholarship is. There aren’t many scholarships that fund the arts, and this is the one to grab with both hands.”
This year, Grade 12 triple-threat pupils will show off their singing, dancing and acting to judges who will decide on which pupils are selected for the programme. The judges comprise talent director and award-winning producer, Jennis Williamson; multiple award-winning local and international star of the stage and screen, Terence Bridgett; actress, singer and cabaret artist, Kate Normington; South African Music Awards-winning vocalist, producer and composer, Gloria Bosman; and creative catalyst and consultant, Brenda Sakellarides.
With the national auditions now closed, the judges will select the winners of the six Grade 12 scholarships on 10 October at the final showcase held at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
The public is welcome to attend the final showcase.
