Arts entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for this year’s Thuthukisani Programme Atologa, run by The Arts and Culture Trust (Act). Applications close on Sunday, 12 May, following a deadline extension.
Applications are open to registered and non-registered businesses, community art centres, and rural and township enterprises operating within various arts disciplines, including visual arts, digital arts, literature, performing arts and music.
If applying in a music or film capacity, the content, theme, or subject matter must have arts and culture at its core. For example, documentaries about animals are not eligible.
Artists and arts entrepreneurs across the Free State are encouraged to apply for this programme aimed at nurturing talent and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
Over the years the programme has empowered more than 73 arts entrepreneurs and businesses.
Participants selected to participate will undergo an intensive curriculum designed to enhance their business acumen. This encompasses training modules including Project Management, Financial Management, and Marketing and Audience Development with a particular focus on access to new markets, access to information on different types of financing models available, and mentorship on how to pitch your business to potential financers.
On successful completion of the programme, individuals will be awarded a certificate of completion. Subsequently, projects demonstrating potential to generate income will be considered for monetary investment, with amounts of up to R35 000 available for project roll-out within a 90-day time frame. Registered companies are eligible for the maximum investment amount, while non-registered entities can qualify for a cash investment amount of up to R10 000.
The initiative made it possible for internationally renowned performing artist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur Jefferson Tshabalala to make his mark. He participated in cycle three of the programme, receiving mentorship.
“That helped me understand how to scale my business. After having been at the helm of an independent small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) for several years, you get so absorbed in the day-to-day management that you don’t have time to focus on growth and expansion. With newfound guidance, I’m restructuring my team to delegate responsibilities, which allows me to focus on expansion and performance ventures,” said Tshabalala.
Visit act.org.za/thuthukisani.
