The Arts & Culture Trust announces the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme participants
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is proud to unveil the list of qualifying participants for the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) supported by Nedbank, Sun International, MTN South Africa, and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). This exciting programme offers talented young South African performing, visual and digital artists the chance to win 1 of 2 undergraduate scholarships to a local arts institution of their choice in 2026.
This year, over 200 applications were received nationally. The ACT NSP is a key driver in ACT’s mission to empower youth and foster sustainable growth in the arts sector through mentorship, skills development, and career-building opportunities.
The programme commenced on 14 June 2025 and runs through to mid-August with biweekly online training sessions. Artists receive mentorship and professional development training, and top performers will be shortlisted for the finals week starting 5 October 2025, with this culminating in a gala event on 11 October 2025, where the 2 scholarship recipients will be announced.
This year’s theme, #NyolohaLimitless, is a call to imagine a present or future where the power of visual and performing arts is amplified by next-generation innovation and elevation. The #NyolohaLimitless hashtag speaks to the programme’s expansive outlook, where youth and creativity knows no bounds and digital technologies offer new, immersive pathways for artistic expression and audience engagement.
Mentors include Grant Towers (Performing Arts Assistant Mentor), and Dahlia Maubane (Visual and Digital Arts Mentor).
Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT, says:
“In Sesotho, Nyoloha means ‘to rise’, and the ACT NSP is a vital part of our strategy to empower the next generation of South African creatives. We are proud of our finalists and winners who continue to make strides in their careers.”
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, adds:
“So many talented young artists applied this year in all the categories, and we congratulate the qualifying participants. We know the programme and mentorship will change your lives in the best possible way, as it has for all those who have come before you. Not only for the finalist and winners, but for all the participants whose lives and careers are flourishing. We look forward to seeing you grow over the next few months. It’s an exciting time.”
Niel Nortje, Art Collection Manager at MTN, says:
“Congratulations to our qualifying NSP participants! You now join a programme supported by legacy organisations with a future focus. The MTN Foundation and ACT partnership delivers on a strategic objective for both organisations to participate in the socioeconomic development of our disenfranchised youth, by accelerating digital transformation for art skills development and job creation, and to employ digital solutions for the cultural and creative industries.”
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International, says:
“Education in the arts is not just important, it’s transformative as it nurtures talent, and builds confidence in youth. The ACT NSP, without a doubt, creates opportunities that can change lives and communities. We are incredibly proud to support this initiative and look forward to witnessing the participants’ growth, creativity, and the impact they will make in the world.”
ACT is in partnership with the Nedbank Arts Affinity and sponsors Sun International, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), and MTN South Africa.
To keep in touch with the Arts and Culture Trust, please visit the website, and follow ACT on Twitter or like them on Facebook.
