Music, Visual and Performing Arts Bursaries South Africa 2025-2026

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Music, Visual and Performing Arts Bursaries South Africa 2025-2026

DANCE BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Dance is a disciplined art form where the body moves rhythmically within a defined space, often to the accompaniment of music. It serves the purpose of expressing emotions, ideas, and energies through artistic movement, bringing joy to both performers and audiences. The significance of dance extends to society, encompassing both its commercial and cultural dimensions. Numerous dance colleges, schools, and institutions contribute significantly to creating employment opportunities for local dancers. Dance plays a pivotal role in enhancing social and cultural aspects within communities, often forming the basis of performances and subject matter. It fosters improved social and cultural interactions, promoting happiness and unity among communities.

Becoming a professional dancer typically involves obtaining a degree in Performing Arts or attending a specialized dance school, where one undergoes rigorous assessments to achieve professional status. Another pathway is to engage with South Africa’s dance associations and complete an Associate Dance Teacher’s degree in one’s preferred dance style.

The field of dance offers diverse career opportunities for professionals, including roles such as Choreographer, Choreologist, Dance Master, Dance Teacher, Dance Historian, and Dancer. For those seeking financial support in the dance sector, various bursary and funding options are available to explore.

DRAMA & THEATRE BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Drama and Theatre, though often used interchangeably, encompass distinct aspects of the performing arts. Drama primarily refers to written scripts or the portrayal of events and emotions through acting or performance. It can also describe real-life situations or incidents that evoke strong emotions or conflict, often displayed through an actor’s performance.

In contrast, Theatre encompasses the entire production beyond just the script. It involves the coordination of elements such as the script, stage design, actors, sound effects, lighting, costumes, and the engagement of an audience. Theatrical productions require a more extensive team, including stagehands, sound engineers, directors, and ushers, to ensure the overall success of the performance.

Both drama and theatre hold significant importance in society. They not only create employment opportunities and serve as sources of entertainment but also foster social dialogue and have the potential to drive societal change. Theatre, in particular, challenges society to reflect on its actions and encourages the exploration of solutions to prevailing issues.

For individuals aspiring to pursue a career in theatre, it is advisable to consider earning a Bachelor of Performing Arts or a Bachelor in Theatre and Performance. Such qualifications open doors to various career paths, including Choreography, Directing, Critique and Analysis, Acting, Design, Production Arts Management, Theatre Production, Teaching, Writing, and Theorizing within the realm of theatre.

If you are seeking financial support or funding opportunities within the Drama and Theatre sector, several options are available to explore.

FASHION & TEXTILE BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Fashion and Textile design encompass the creation of refined and polished finished products, whether in the realm of clothing or interior design. Textile design, on the other hand, involves employing various processes and techniques to craft digital, constructed, and mixed media textiles. It involves designing patterns and subsequently imprinting them onto diverse fabrics, which are then utilized in the domains of fashion and design. These disciplines hold immense significance in society, contributing to the overall ambiance of spaces by making them feel warm, inviting, and professionally designed.

Fashion not only drives economic growth but also stands as one of the world’s largest economic activities in terms of trade. Additionally, it provides artists and designers with a platform to narrate stories through their creations. The fashion and textile industry significantly impacts employment, employing over 57 million workers, particularly in developing countries, where women comprise 80% of the workforce.

Individuals interested in fashion and design can pursue various qualifications, including a Bachelor of Technology in Fashion, a Bachelor of Science in Textile Science, Diplomas in Textile Technology, a Diploma in Clothing Management, or Advanced and Postgraduate Diplomas in Apparel Technology. These qualifications open doors to diverse career opportunities within the Fashion and Textile sectors, such as Clothing Technologist, Fashion Designer, Colour Technologist, and Textile Designer.

For those seeking financial support or funding opportunities within the Fashion and Textile industry, several options are available for consideration.

FILM & MOTION PICTURE BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Film and motion pictures, often referred to as cinema or movies, serve as a medium for conveying dramatic narratives on screen through a sequence of static images captured on film. Films not only narrate compelling stories but also possess the unique ability to stir emotions within their audiences. The world of motion pictures is an art form that demands a collaborative effort from various artistic disciplines and technical skills, encompassing aspects such as editing, sound engineering, recording, optics, and more.

The significance of film and motion pictures in society lies in their ability to amalgamate multiple elements to evoke profound emotions, prompt contemplation about society and individual lives, impart historical knowledge, inspire hope, stimulate change, motivate action, and encourage critical thinking.

Individuals aspiring to make a mark in the world of film can pursue various qualifications, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Motion Pictures, Diplomas in Film Production, Diplomas in Sound Engineering, Higher Certificates in Film, Television, and Entertainment Production, Diplomas in Motion Picture Production, and more. The world of film and motion pictures relies on the collective efforts of many professionals to create the captivating magic seen on screen. Consequently, career prospects within this field are diverse and include roles such as Director, Producer, Writer, Cinematographer, Gaffer, Grip, Composer, Production Assistant, Showrunner, Production Coordinator, Choreographer, Actor, and many others.

For those seeking financial support or funding opportunities within the Film and Motion Picture industry, various options are available to explore.

FINE ART & VISUAL ART BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Fine Arts encompasses a broad spectrum, including the overarching categories of Visual Arts, Applied Arts, and Applied Arts. This diverse field encompasses various creative disciplines, such as dance, sketching, filmmaking, design, music, and animation. While students in Fine Arts receive instruction in a wide range of artistic forms, Visual Arts students primarily concentrate on mediums that engage the sense of sight, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and filmmaking.

Fine Arts, with a particular focus on Visual Arts, plays a crucial role in contemporary society by providing artists with a means to convey messages to their audiences and facilitating a better understanding of the information needed for improved living. Engagement with Fine Arts and Visual Arts nurtures critical thinking, promotes informed citizenship, fosters creative problem-solving abilities, and encourages individuals to become productive members of society.

Individuals seeking to pursue careers in Fine Arts and Visual Arts can explore various qualifications, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Art, Bachelor of Technology in Fine Art, Bachelor of Education in Art and Design, and a Master of Technology in Fine Art.

The potential career pathways within the Fine Art and Visual Arts sector are diverse and encompass roles such as Professional Artist, Curator, Teacher, Art Consultant, Art Critic, Art Researcher and Journalist, Art Writer, Print Studio Manager, Paper and Product Designer and Maker, Visual Arts Manager, Community and Arts Project Manager, Digital Photographer, and General Photography.

For those in search of financial support or funding opportunities within the Fine Art and Visual Art industry, there are various options available to explore.

JEWELLERY DESIGN BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Jewellery Design is a captivating art form with a rich history, spanning centuries from ancient beadwork to the intricate gem cutting techniques we employ in the modern era. Jewellery Designers are artisans who craft exquisite pieces using precious materials such as gemstones, diamonds, beads, and various metals, resulting in valuable wearable works of art. Whether creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for specific clients or engaging in mass production, the demand for jewellery remains high in society, and these creations hold significant value.

Throughout history, jewellery has held a prominent role in various cultures and life events. It serves as a symbol of affection between partners, as evident in wedding bands celebrating milestones. In many African tribes, jewellery is an integral part of tradition, and it also serves as a means of investment, preserving wealth over time.

Aspiring Jewellery Designers can pursue qualifications to embark on a rewarding career in this lucrative industry. Options include obtaining a National Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing or pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts with a specialization in Jewellery Design and Metalwork. Additionally, taking courses, participating in programs, and engaging in apprenticeships can enhance one’s skills and expertise.

The field of Jewellery Design offers diverse career opportunities in the Visual Arts sector, including roles as a Jewellery Designer, Craft and Fine Artist, Fashion Designer, Wood Worker, and Metalwork Artisan.

For those seeking financial assistance or funding opportunities within the Jewellery Design sector, several options are available to explore.

PERFORMING ART BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Performing arts encompass a rich array of artistic forms, including music, drama, and dance, typically presented before an audience. Across diverse cultures, performing arts serve as a powerful means to narrate stories, convey messages, and ignite conversations, emotions, and contemplation.

These artistic expressions often find their stage in dedicated venues like theatres and opera houses, but they can also unfold outdoors on open-air stages, such as at festivals, within tents, or even on the bustling streets. The significance of performing arts in society extends beyond mere entertainment; they facilitate self-expression for artists and provide a platform for delivering profound messages. Moreover, they enable society to achieve self-awareness and understanding.

Theatre, a prominent branch of performance art, serves as a mirror reflecting societal attitudes and mindsets, with the intent of enlightening audiences about prevailing conditions. A diverse array of performing arts includes opera, music, dance, musical theatre, theatre, magic, mime, spoken word, circus arts, and puppetry.

Prospective performers often pursue degrees like a Bachelor of Arts in their chosen field, which can serve as a foundation for careers in the performing arts. For those aspiring to teach their artistry, acquiring an additional teaching qualification or even pursuing advanced degrees like Masters or Doctoral degrees may be beneficial.

The world of performing arts offers a multitude of potential career paths, including roles as acrobats, stage performers, dancers, musicians, vocalists, public speakers, magicians, mimes, and teachers.

For those seeking financial support or funding opportunities in the performing arts sector, there are various options to explore.

MUSIC BURSARIES FOR 2025-2026

Music, often considered the world’s most popular art form, resonates with people across the globe, transcending boundaries and cultures. Virtually everyone has a genre of music that speaks to them. For musicians, music is a powerful mode of expression through which they narrate stories, whether through vocals or instrumental performances.

Music’s significance in society is deep-rooted, with its history spanning thousands of years, from indigenous communities gathering around fires for communal dances to contemporary DJs crafting innovative sounds. This universal art form possesses the remarkable ability to elicit powerful emotions and impact people’s moods and well-being. Music serves as a conduit for experiencing a wide range of emotions, making it an essential component of society. Without music, a society might arguably lack the depth of emotion and expression that this art form provides.

Musicians, the creators behind the melodies, undertake the responsibility of composing, writing lyrics, playing instruments, and singing across a diverse spectrum of musical styles, catering to their audiences’ varied tastes and preferences.

Aspiring musicians can pursue qualifications such as Diplomas in Sound Engineering, a Bachelor of Music, or a Bachelor of Performing Arts. To hone their craft further, they may also enroll in various courses, classes, and coaching sessions.

The world of music offers a multitude of career opportunities, including roles as a music therapist, music producer, teacher, musician, sound designer/engineer, special effects technician, or sound technician for film, broadcasting, and video production.

For those seeking financial support or funding opportunities in the music sector, there are various avenues to explore.

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