ACT Development Programme in KZN

Last edited: February 24, 2010

Posted by Business and Arts South Africa

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), of which Nedbank is a founding Trustee, showcased Development Grant recipients in KZN recently.

According to ACT Programme Manager, Nomalanga Nkosi, “The ACT Development programme is about nourishing all art forms, supporting creators, and making arts and culture more accessible to all South Africans. 2010 marks 16 years of ACT playing a strategic role in the arts and culture sector with Nedbank as a key partner and sponsor. Through the contributions made by the Nedbank Arts Affinity Programme, Nedbank has ensured ACT’s operational sustainability for the foreseeable future. ACT is now in a position to directly support arts and culture projects with a development focus,” she explains.

Sponsored by the Nedbank Arts Affinity programme, two KZN beneficiaries of the ACT Development Programme were showcased at Nedbank regional headquarters in Durban on 19 February 2010. They were:

- KIDS ON TRACK (KOT): KOT is a Durban based community arts project that aims to bridge the gaps between different communities, by creating a space where artists from different cultural backgrounds can interact and learn from one another.

- THE 4TH NATIONAL MARIMBA FESTIVAL: The National Marimba Festival sees about a 1000 marimba players from 54 institutions gathered together each year. This event brings together like-minded people from all over Southern Africa and the world. Inclusivity is the underlying mantra of the Foundation.

Old and young, black and white, abled as well as physically and mentally challenged musicians from all corners of the country gather for this amazing event: a celebration of music, marimbas and ubuntu which is a testimony to our wonderful democracy.

“Making a difference in the communities in which we operate is a core value at Nedbank and, through the Affinity suite of products, we are able to partner with our clients to develop a cause that is close to their hearts. Nedbank has a proud history of supporting arts and culture in South Africa and we remain committed to cultural development, promotion and preservation through the funding of the ACT Development grants,’ says Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of Nedbank Cause Marketing.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), of which Nedbank is a founding Trustee, is South Africa’s premier, independent arts funding and development agency. What makes Nedbank’s involvement even more significant is that through the Nedbank Arts Affinity, the bank also funds the ACT Development Programme which enhances the continued development of arts and culture in South Africa by providing support for artistic excellence in creative production, professional development, and training for the youth in the form of once-off grants.

Other ACT Development grant recipients sponsored by Nedbank Arts Affinity have included:

- SOUL DANCER: A dance festival aimed at young emerging choreographers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds hosted in the space.com venue at the Joburg Theatre.

- SA LATIN CHAMPS: South African Latin American Dance champions Gary Golding and Jeanné Swart.

- BLACK TIE ENSEMBLE: The grant enabled the ensemble to host Development Concerts in order for eighteen members of the group to gain performance experience and to develop their repertoire.

- BEAU SOLEIL JUNIOR BRASS ENSEMBLE: The Centre aims to provide access to brass music education to historically disadvantaged learners. The Ensemble comprises thirty learners from around Cape Town.

- VUYANI DANCE THEATRE (VDT): Training for ten young dancers, who, together with VDT’s company members facilitated the transfer of skills to groups in townships.

- IMAGINE: A web based magazine for the arts and cultural scene. The magazine provides a voice and a vehicle for arts and culture practitioners to keep the public aware of what they are doing and to stimulate a two-way debate on the role of the artist in society.

- JUNKETS PLAYSCRIPT SERIES: The publication of new South African plays for sale at affordable prices in the foyers of theatres during the run of the play.

- MODJAJI BOOKS: Modjaji is a new independent press that publishes the work of Southern African women.

- SOUTH AFRICAN GUILD OF ACTORS (SAGA): SAGA was formed out of a need for actors to be heard and protected in the entertainment industry. The intention going forward is to ensure that all contracts for performers are standardised.

The Nedbank Arts Affinity programme was started in 1994 and comprises a suite of banking products including credit cards, savings accounts, current accounts and the recently launched investment accounts. When a client uses any of these banking products Nedbank makes a donation to the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) on behalf of and at no cost to the client. One of four multi-award winning programmes, the Nedbank Affinity programme has raised over R120 million for arts & culture, sport development, helping needy children and the environment.

Support ACT by opening a Nedbank Arts Affinity account, credit card account, savings account and/or investment account today and support South African creativity through your everyday banking. Visit a Nedbank branch or call 0860 DO GOOD (36 4663). For more information please visit please click here.