ASGC celebrates arts showcase at Baxter | Western Cape Government

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ASGC celebrates arts showcase at Baxter

29 October 2018

On Saturday, 27 October 2018 Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais officiated at the After School Game Changer (ASGC) Arts Practitioner Showcase and Graduation Celebration at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch.

ASGC partnered with ASSITEJ South Africa and hosted a selection of 16 performances drawn from across the province. The performing art practitioners have been part of a yearlong training and capacity building journey and have incorporated these skills into their daily work with learners. The training programme of ASSITEJ South Africa supports and develops young audiences and artists and empowers education through the performing arts.

Yvette Hardie, Director of ASSITEJ SA and President of ASSITEJ International delivered the opening address and said: “Every child in our country deserves to have access to enjoying the arts because it speaks to all our senses”. She also thanked the various companies and organisations who made the showcase and graduation possible.

For many learners it was their first time on a professional stage and ASGC Project Manager Bridget Hannah expressed the value of after school activities to introduce learners to these opportunities. “It helps them believe that their dreams are important and can come true”, she said.

During the morning session primary school learners from Kuils River, Knysna, Philippi, Robertson, Vrygrond and Khayelitsha proudly showcased their skills in the professional environment. At the graduation the HOD of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Brent Walters, handed over certificates to the practitioners and spoke about the balance of soft skills and the 4th Industrial Revolution. “Arts and culture provide the opportunity to develop those soft skills”, he said. He was very excited about the young people’s talent on stage and said: “Hopefully they can return proudly to their own communities and inspire others to follow their lead”.

Minister Marais delivered the keynote address after which the high school learners from as far as Grabouw, Saldanha, Koue Bokkeveld, Oudtshoorn, Philippi and Knysna fascinated the audience with their powerful performances. Minister Marais stressed the value of dance and drama and said that it gives us confidence and teaches us to be comfortable with ourselves.  She also encouraged the participants, practitioners and audience to choose to challenge their creativity.

Through the ASGC, the Western Cape Government offers youth opportunities to stay engaged in positive ways after school hours. Communities should support the programme and encourage youth to participate. Let us develop our youth’s talent BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Dr Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877 / 076 093 4913
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za