The countdown has begun! The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) is entering its second last showcase, with anticipation building for the upcoming ACT Nyoloha Gala Showcase (performing arts showcase) and Visual Arts Exhibition. This year, ACT is pleased to partner with Sun International to host the gala showcase at the esteemed Mardi Gras Theatre at Carnival City on 28 September 2024. At this event, 2 promising young artists – 1 from the performing arts and 1 from the visual arts – will be awarded life-changing scholarships valued at R300 000 each to study at a South African arts institution of their choice.
Since June 2024, at the start of the NSP, 111 selected participants from all 9 provinces of South Africa have been engaged in rigorous fortnightly training and mentorship sessions under the guidance of distinguished mentors. The NSP visual arts participants have refined their talents under the mentorship of fine arts graduate, curator, and art dealer, Zanele Mashumi. The performing arts participants have been guided by seasoned actor and musical theatre practitioner, Grant Towers, as well as a seasoned musical theatre actress, singer and dancer, Samantha Peo, who serves as NSP Head Performing Arts Mentor.
From the initial 111 participants only 15 finalists will be chosen to showcase their talents at the Nyoloha finals. This selection will culminate in what is called the Nyoloha Finals Week, where these young artists from all parts of South Africa will travel to Johannesburg for an all-expenses-paid experience. During this week, the finalists will engage in masterclasses, tour prominent art institutions, and seize networking opportunities with industry professionals, preparing them for the visual arts exhibition and gala showcase.
Leading up to the gala showcase, ACT, in collaboration with MTN South Africa, will also present a visual arts exhibition at the MTN Head Office in Fairlands, Johannesburg. The exhibition will open on 26 September 2024 with a private event, whereafter the exhibition will open to the public, offering an opportunity to engage with the work of emerging visual artists and support the next generation of South African talent.
Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT, commented: ‘The Nyoloha Scholarship Programme has been a significant platform for young artists to develop and showcase their skills. Over the years, the programme has nurtured some of the country’s finest talents, including Candice Modiselle, Wonder Ndlovu, Dillon Windvogel, Rick Baloyi, Tankiso Mamabolo, Lwazilubanzi Mthembu and Pallance Dladla, to name a few. We are excited to see the culmination of this year’s cohorts’ hard work and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the gala showcase and visual arts exhibition.’
Niel Nortjé, Manager of the MTN Art Collection, says: ‘We are proud of the finalists, and heartily congratulate them. Hosting the NSP’s Visual Arts Exhibition at the MTN Head Office allows employees, clients and stakeholders to not only engage with the emerging young talent, but also to buy their work and support the organisation’s strategic objective to participate in the socio-economic development of our disenfranchised youth. We wish all the finalists the very best!’
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, commented: ‘This is such an exciting, tense time of the year as we sprint towards the final event on 28 September and the highly anticipated gala showcase. I want to emphasise that while there are ultimately 15 finalists and 2 scholarship winners, all 111 participants in this year’s ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme have excelled and grown remarkably over the past few months of mentorship. You are our future rising stars, and we look forward to seeing you pursue your ambitions, dreams and careers.’
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development (SED) Specialist at Sun International, says: ‘Sun International is thrilled to support the empowerment of young artists who represent the future of South Africa’s cultural and creative industry. We are especially delighted to host this year’s gala showcase at Carnival City, one of Sun International’s reputable venues for hosting the country’s biggest live events, which promises to be a dazzling evening.’
The event will be hosted by a popular South African actress and will feature guest performances by a well-known South African musician, both of whom will be revealed soon.
Tickets for the ACT Nyoloha Gala Showcase at Carnival City are available via Quicket from R100.