Arts Week invests in young leaders | Western Cape Government

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Arts Week invests in young leaders

14 March 2018

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, (DCAS) in partnership with the Drakenstein Municipality and the national Department of Arts and Culture launched the 2018 Youth in Arts Week in the Western Cape on 13 March 2018 at the Simondium Community Hall in Paarl.

Seventy young people from across the province participated in the Arts Week from 12 to 16 March 2018. The enthusiastic group of local youth leaders, EPWP beneficiaries, Young Patriots (TYPP) and aspiring artists in music, drama, literary and visual arts were introduced to the Groot Drakenstein Cultural Facility in Simondium. They will stay over at the Cultural Facility for the rest of the week, while rubbing shoulders with rural and urban leaders within the arts landscape. Afterwards they will be equipped with manuals and tool kits which will enable them to lobby for funding, register an NGO and write business plans.

Drakenstein Mayor Alderman Conrad Pool was happy to see so many eager young people participating in the activities. He officially opened the Arts Week and said that these unique opportunities contribute to the quality of life by strengthening communities. “It builds awareness of diverse cultures and acts as a source of community pride”, he said.

Liezl Jansen from DCAS Arts Development cherished the important role that the youth plays in intercultural understanding and peace. “The arts organisations across the province provide the glue required to foster social cohesion in communities. National, provincial and local government are committed to strengthening youth development in arts and culture”, she said.

Youth leader and aspiring drama and music artist, Ayabonga Saliso from Mbekweni was very appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the Arts Week. “I am learning a lot of different ways to communicate with different people and I will gladly share my new knowledge with others in my community”, he said.

DCAS offers young people the opportunity to gain exposure into all aspects of the arts. Communities should encourage their youth to participate. Let us nurture and grow our country’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