Kamogelo Seekoei

Kamogelo Seekoei

If you live within the Tshwane municipality and belong to an arts and culture group then the opportunity to grow might be coming your way.

Arts and cultural groups in the area are invited to take part in a venture initiated by the South African State Theatre (Sast). The initiative is aimed at helping artists get the limelight in the entertainment industry.

But only groups with more than 10 members and that have a desire to develop their craft are allowed to take part in this initiative. The closing date is May 31.

Groups who make it will be screened and receive training from Sast.

"It is important that the groups reflect the diversity of our country," said Ntshuxeko Baloyi, a spokesman for Sast.

Baloyi said these groups will be given an opportunity to showcase their own works and a body of South African works to perform.

She said each group would be allocated a field worker from the theatre, who would ensure that the community groups are sustainable, produce quality work and understand the business of their specific arts field.

"Individual group members will be required to pay a minimum of R60 a month during training," she said.

Baloyi said the money would be used to sustain the training and development programme and purchase tickets for the group members to attend plays at the theatre.

She said the initiative was aimed at encouraging artists and empowering them financially by providing them with a platform to express their abilities.