City of Cape Town makes R8 million available for arts and culture projects
Omar Galant, a pipe major from the Habibia Siddique Muslim Brigade, said the funds would help bring in professionals and expand their programmes.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The City of Cape Town has made nearly R8 million available over the next two financial years through its arts and culture development branch, which will support qualifying organisations in the arts, culture, and heritage sector.
The City hosted an information session at Rylands community hall on Thursday, November 6, to explain the requirements for online applications, which close on Wednesday, December 3. However, only a handful of people attended this session.
The City hosted an information session at Rylands Community Hall to explain the requirements for online applications, but only a handful of people attended.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Thembisa Majikijela from Intsika Yesizwe non-profit organisation in Philippi East welcomed the funding and information session.
Their organisation has been running for five years without funding and focuses on skill development, feeding schemes, home gardening, sewing, and entrepreneurship training, she said.
Ms Majikijela said the support could provide a new stepping stone for their projects.
Omar Galant from Athlone, a pipe major from the Habibia Siddique Muslim Brigade, said their organisation has 97 registered members, with 60% youth and 40% seniors.
They focus on youth development and cultural activities, but struggle with instruments, uniforms, and transport.
"The funds would help bring in professionals and expand our programmes," he said.
Thembisa Majikijela from Intsika Yesizwe NPO in Philippi East said she welcomed the funding and the session.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Joshua Jacobs of Youth Growth Initiative non-profit company (NPC) in Hanover Park said their organisation focuses on youth development, social development, and cultural activities.
"Funding would allow us to launch and continue programmes in music, dance, life skills, and career development programmes ” he said.
They invite the public who wish to join and contribute to email them at ypi.connect@gmail.com
Francine Higham, mayco member for community services and health, said arts, culture, and heritage provide a space for people to discover their voice, bring communities together, and develop skills among youth and vulnerable groups.
Joshua Jacobs of Youth Growth Initiative in Hanover Park said their organisation focuses on youth development, crime prevention, and cultural activities.
Image: Marsha Bothma
An amount of R3 810 146 is available every year, with separate applications required for each financial year.
Projects must fall into one of the following categories: temporary public art, visual and performing arts, heritage awareness and storytelling, therapeutic arts interventions, and music.
Submissions should focus on sustainable cultural projects targeting young people aged seven to 35 or vulnerable groups, including women, children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Projects may include programmes, productions, performances, public activations, and exhibitions that are accessible and affordable to local communities.
All applications will be assessed against the grants-in-aid policy and must comply with the Municipal Financial Management Act, Act 56 of 2003. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver on the stated objectives, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Applications for grants-in-aid must be made in writing on the official form available at all sub-council offices, the Arts and Culture Branch, or online at www.capetown.gov.za/grants-in-aid.
More information is available at https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/financial-relief-and-rebates/financial-support-services/grants-in-aid.