Deadline extended for ACT Thuthukisani programme in SA

The call is designed for artists from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces.

The name of the programme, Thuthukisani, is a call to action taken from the isiZulu word ‘thuthukisa’ (a verb), meaning to develop. Supported by Nedbank, Thuthukisani is a business development programme that seeks to empower a selected group of artists to implement and execute their chosen projects in a strategic and sustainable way.

Successful applicants will receive training. After thorough training and mentorship, all participants will then pitch their projects for the opportunity to receive a cash investment. Only projects with merit and viability will be eligible for potential investment.

The roll-out of the programme takes place in three cycles, with applicants from three predetermined provinces per cycle invited. Cycle one, covering Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga, is in its final stages, and artists from Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are now eligible to apply for cycle two.

Application forms are available online here and outcomes will be announced in mid-June.

Only seven ACT Thuthukisani programme participants per province will be selected per cycle. After training has been completed, three projects per province will receive a cash investment and ongoing mentorship for the artist for the duration of the project.

Requirements:

To be considered for selection in cycle two:

• Applicants must meet all the selection criteria.
• Only South African nationals with projects taking place in South Africa may apply.
• Arts organisations and/or individuals must carry on an active, registered, and compliant arts business (in terms of CIPC and SARS requirements) with an existing client base.
• The core business focus must be arts and culture.
• It is also important for applicants to know that project plans or ideas need to be further developed and executed within 90 days, whilst complying with all COVID-19 regulations.
• Participants must strictly comply with and attend all training and mentorship sessions.

Note: As a business development course, this programme requires a significant commitment in terms of time and effort. Selected applicants will need discipline and excellent communication skills and will be required to work with their mentor to develop their project plan. Acceptance into the programme does not guarantee monetary investment. Applicants from the remaining provinces will be invited to apply in cycle three. Details will be announced in due course.

“The Thuthukisani Programme demands significant commitment from successful applicants whose businesses meets the criteria,” ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “The programme requires participants to switch gear into proactive, creative solutions and opportunities to create profitable products and projects through training and mentorship. Throughout this process, projects that illustrate viability and merit will be selected for a monetary investment to roll out their project in 90 days. By extending the application period we are reaching out and encouraging arts business owners to take advantage of this structured and valuable opportunity.”

View the original call here.