Open call: Arts and Culture Trust costume design proposals

The selected designer will have the opportunity to design costumes for participants who will be showcasing their talents at the prestigious ACT Nyoloha Scholarship finals gala showcase on 28 September 2024 at Carnival City.

The costume designers’ open call invites Afrocentric and/or Afrofuturistic costume ideas for the 2024 performance showcase. Colour palettes may include vibrant and earthy tones that reflect the rich diversity of African cultures and heritage. Design patterns may incorporate traditional, imaginative or futuristic African patterns and motifs, celebrating both heritage and contemporary influences. ACT encourages costume designs that make use of renewable, recyclable, and reusable materials, as well as those that incorporate upmarket fabrics and elements.

The open call offers costume designers a chance to be part of a significant event that celebrates the arts and empowers young talent. The chosen costume designer for the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship will play a vital role in bringing the performances to life through their creative vision and expertise. This is a great opportunity for new creative talent to gain awareness and exposure – both on and off the stage.

The chosen costume designer will work closely with the programme’s artistic director, ensuring that the costumes align with the overall artistic vision for the showcase. The purpose of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is to nurture new talent, even in fields outside the traditional performance arts spectrum, such as the fashion designers’ category, but keeping within the arts and culture sector.

“The competition is designed for Gauteng-based costume designers with a passion for the arts, a flair for creativity, and a keen eye for detail,” ACT said. “We invite you to submit a budget estimate (including material costs and service fees) to design costume pieces for 10 performers for the project together with a profile of your previous work, a reference letter and a mood board or sketch of the ideas that you have for the project. All submissions must be made via the ACT website and submissions will close at midnight on Friday 9 August 2024.”

Interested designers should apply here before 9 August.