Applications open for Thuthukisani arts programme

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has invited aspirant artists and arts entrepreneurs to submit applications for the ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024.

Applications opened on 28 February and will close on 12 April 2024.

The ACT Thuthukisani Programme, which is in partnership with Nedbank, is a beacon of support for emerging and established South African artists and arts entrepreneurs. The programme offers essential entrepreneurship training and mentorship, as well as cash investment opportunities.

The ACT is a premier independent development and art investment organisation. Its primary objective is to increase the capacity for arts and culture initiatives to help create sustainable futures for talented artists, through development and investment in innovative and sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society.

To date, more than 73 arts entrepreneurs or businesses have benefited from this programme.

In a statement, the ACT said participants who make it into the programme can expect to develop their business expertise through a rigorous curriculum. Upon completion, only projects that illustrate merit and viability to generate income will be selected for the monetary investment of up to R35 000 for the project roll-out, which must take place within 90 days. 

“Selected registered companies will be eligible for the maximum investment amount of R35 000 while non-registered companies will be eligible for a maximum investment amount of R10 000,” the organisation said. 

ACT Thuthukisani Programme participant Laycenther Mogale Sedibe, from the Northern Cape, said: “My favourite module from the programme was Financial Management, which taught me about separating business money and personal money, how to do it and the discipline thereof.”

Individuals or businesses that are eligible to apply for the fourth cycle of this programme include registered or non-registered businesses and community art centres operating within the disciplines of. Music videos or documentaries about animals will not be eligible.

“We are witnessing a high volume of arts entrepreneurs who are interested in the Thuthukisani Programme,” said ACT chief executive, Jessica Denyschen.

“We encourage all arts entrepreneurs – those with an ambition to elevate their business, generate an income, and ensure that their business sustains itself for years to come – to move swiftly in seizing this opportunity before applications close.”

Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investments at Nedbank, said: “The ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024 is all about engaging with artists and arts businesses and empowering them to gain the entrepreneurial know-how to operate, evolve and develop self-sustaining enterprises. The programme is well aligned with Nedbank’s corporate ethos of economic emancipation through  skills development and education.” ¥