Applicants who wish to study towards a performing, visual or digital arts degree starting in the 2024 academic year must be between the ages of 17 to 25 years with a matric (university exemption), and not be currently registered at a tertiary or accredited institution. Apply today on the ACT website at www.act.org.za.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) opened its doors in 1994, when it was known as the Arts and Culture Trust of the President. 28 years later, ACT serves the arts and culture sector in all 9 provinces of South Africa, as a registered non-profit organisation and is completely independent of government.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) was formed as a partnership between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity, with the goal of funding higher education for young South African performers and visual artists.

ABOUT THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), partnered with Nedbank Arts Affinity, sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), is inviting students to apply for the Nyoloha Scholarship programme (NSP), for the 2024 academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded for undergraduate studies within the following fields:

• Performing Arts (singing, dance, theatre/acting)
• Visual Arts (paintings, drawings – photography is NOT included)
• Digital Arts (digital installations, 2D/3D computer graphics, digital paintings)

The full scholarship will provide cover of up to R350 000, for studies at a tertiary or an accredited South African arts institution.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACT NYOLOHA SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between the ages of 17 and 25 years old
• You must be currently in Matric OR must have university exemption
• You must intend on pursuing an undergraduate qualification within the performing or visual arts field, in 2024
• You must be starting your 1st year of study in 2024
• You must be in need of financial assistance to pursue your studies
• You must be able to complete your qualification by no later than 2026
• You must intend on studying, but not currently registered, at a tertiary institution in South Africa (which may include, but is not limited to the following institutions):
  • AFDA (Johannesburg), the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance
  • AFDA (Cape Town), the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance
  • Campus of Performing Arts – COPA
  • City Varsity, School of Media and Creative Arts
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Ehlanzeni Arts Academy from Mbombela, Mpumalanga
  • L&A Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), Cape Town
  • Market Theatre Laboratory
  • Moving into Dance Mophatong
  • North-West University
  • Oakfields College
  • Open Window, Gauteng
  • Rhodes University
  • Sibikwa Arts Centre
  • The Rainbow Academy
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • University of the Free State
  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • Waterfront Theatre School
• You must NOT be considered a professional artist (you must NOT have specialized training/ and or be employed full time in your artistic discipline)
• You must read and agree to the terms of the Application Guidelines Document (.pdf) before applyingSubmit clear copies of the following supporting documentation with the online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
  • ID Document (certified copy of the front and back)
  • Previous semester/ last academic results
  • Clear photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only)
  • Proof of application to a tertiary institution, if applicable (proof of registration will only be required before/ upon acceptance onto the programme)
  • Performing Arts applicants: 1 video performing in your selected discipline (the video must be sent to ACT via WhatsApp: 079 876 0324) (please read the submission guidelines below)
    • Singing applicants: prepare a song of your choice, in any genre, that best showcase your vocal range, technique and overall talent. You may use a backtrack or instruments as back-up. Please make sure that the backtrack does not overpower your voice (maximum 2 minutes)
    • Dance applicants: prepare a dance/ movement piece of your choice, which best showcases your range and talent (maximum 2 minutes)
    • Theatre/ acting applicants: prepare a monologue, from Addendum 2, which best showcase your acting range and talent. Please DO NOT use your own material (maximum 2 minutes)
  • Digital/ Visual Arts applicants: 4 portfolio pictures (these must be sent to ACT via WhatsApp: 079 876 0324) (please read the submission guidelines below)
    • 4 original pieces of work – 1 image per work: 1x portrait, 1x landscape, and 2x original artworks
    • The submission must also include: a short bio (maximum 100 words), a short artist statement detailing reason of creation of artworks in the format and style (maximum 100 words)
  • Signed and completed Consent Form (.pdf) (if you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must sign this form)
  • Motivational letter about your aspirations in the arts world: why do you want to pursue a career, or further your studies in the arts? (between 107 and 250 words)Performing Arts applicants:
    • Your video must be filmed on a cellphone, preferably a smartphone device.
    • Your video must be in MP4 format (if filming with an iPhone, convert your video online into .MP4).
    • Your video must be a maximum file size of 30 MB (if it is larger, you can compress the video online).
    • Your video must be filmed in a room with good lighting and a plain background.
    • Your video must be filmed in landscape/ horizontal mode.
    • Your video must have NO background noise and NOT be filmed in a place where the sound will echo (eg bathroom).
    • Parents/ legal guardian or teachers may NOT participate in the audition video.
    • Your video may use minimal props for your audition video – you may use a table and chair, and musical instruments (for singing recordings) as part of your props.
    • Label/ title your videos using your name and discipline (eg Sipho Dube_Theatre Discipline.MP4).

    Digital/ Visual Arts applicants:

    • Your artworks in your portfolio must not be older than 12 months.
    • Your images must be clear and visible.
    • Each image should be a file no larger than 32Mb.

     

    SELECTION FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP

    PHASE 1: applicants submit their applications along with their video or portfolio submissions that will be adjudicated by the relevant arts professional.

    PHASE 2: candidates that receive high scores for their video and portfolio submissions will be invited for an online interview, which will be conducted and recorded via Zoom during April and May 2023.

    • The interview will include a Question-and-Answer sessions, which will last a maximum of 30 minutes.
    • All eligible candidates will be contacted and will be able to select suitable dates and times for their interviews, with the relevant arts professional – performance arts or visual/ digital arts mentor. Dates and slots will be confirmed with applicants accordingly.
    • Successful candidates will take part in bi-weekly workshops, from 10 June until 19 August 2023.
    • Scholarships finals week will take place from 2 to 7 October 2023, in Johannesburg.
    • Finalists will have all their meals, travel and accommodation costs covered during the finals week.
    • The final programme adjudication and gala performance/ showcase as well as the winner/s announcement will be held on 7 October 2023.
    • Unsuccessful applicants will be notified.