Call for applications: ACT Thuthukisani programme in SA

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.

The open call runs from 28 April to 22 May. 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 first cycle of the ACT Thuthukisani Programme, which we rolled out for Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga, has highlighted the continued work that needs to be done to ensure the sustainability of artists and arts businesses practising in the creative sector,” ACT interim CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “Cycle two of the ACT Thuthukisani Programme has been further refined and refreshed to keep honing in on relevant sustainable strategies for operating profitably in the South African context. The trust applauds the artists and businesses who are moving towards creating sustainable futures for themselves and, by doing so, creating opportunities for others in the sector.”

View the original call here.