DCAS and UWC Invest in 20 Aspiring Musicians | Western Cape Government

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DCAS and UWC Invest in 20 Aspiring Musicians

13 May 2015

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Centre for Performing Arts launched a community music development programme on 12 May 2015. The programme will enable 20 musicians from as far afield as the West Coast and Hermanus to obtain a two-year tertiary qualification in music.

Most of the students chosen for the programme come from community-based music organisations funded by DCAS. Once they have graduated, they will be required to plough some of what they have learned back into the organisations that sent them.

This unique programme is premised on community engagement, the development of talent, the promotion of lifelong learning and the building of music capacity within communities. Winona Wilsnach from Vredenburg said “I have always wanted to become a professional musician. Through this bursary I am fulfilling my dream.” Winona is a part of the West Coast Music Outreach Programme.

UWC Rector Prof. Tyrone Pretorius welcomed the partnership with DCAS. “Our university is an important promoter of culture. Through the financial assistance provided by DCAS, we were able to provide indigent students with bursaries to complete accredited courses in music.”

DCAS Head of Department Brent Walters thanked the UWC executive for its role in co-creating the programme. “In UWC we found a partner that can impart skills, build capacity and provide proper contextual development for our young people,” he said.

In partnership with stakeholders like UWC, DCAS is supporting young artists of the Western Cape to develop and grow their talent BETTER TOGETHER. 

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za