The city of Cape Town has given the Artscape Theatre a boost of R2-million to assist with the youth programmes. In an effort to contribute to skills and training of younger Capetonians and women, the City today signed a memorandum of understanding with Artscape Theatre.
In a statement, Artscape said that the funding would ensure that Women’s Arts and Humanity Festival continue to provide a platform for grassroots communities, and women in particular to celebrate and honour the legacy of National Women’s Day through the Arts.
Another programme that is set to benefit from the grant is training and development. The funds received will be channelled through Artscape’s Resource Centre.
“The Centre aims to provide a space for developing artists to hone their administrative and artistic skills towards a sustainable career in the Arts,” Artscape said.
Artscape’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Marlene le Roux said, “Our skills and training programmes focus on education and empowering the youth and emerging performing artists to ensure they are adequately equipped to operate and compete at an optimum level in the world of arts and culture.”
She added that the grant would add immense value towards promoting all arts forms in order to contribute to sustainable economic development within the arts and culture sector.
Youth Classical and Youth Jazz music festivals and the High School Drama programme are some of the beneficiaries of the grant.
Artscape launched its first Artist-in-Residency programme which included a series of workshops throughout the year. A move which resulted in Artscape’s first Indigenous Ensemble.
Le Roux and the City’s Director of Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor J P Smith officiated the signing.
Photography: Artscape Theatre