22 Sep 2021 The V&A Waterfront and Between 10and5 announce the names of the top 12 creative entrepreneurs selected for the Artist Alliance Programme 12 Capetonians were chosen from fields such as fine art, photography and filmmaking, fashion, illustration and design to take part in a two month training programme brought to you by the V&A Waterfront’s Artist Alliance Programme. Initially, ten people were going to be selected as finalists but after receiving an overwhelming amount of applications of an excellent standard, the judges decided to settle on 12 creatives instead. Says Al Luke from creative collective Mrs + Mr Luke and one of the Artist Alliance Programme mentors, “There has been a great response to the Artist Alliance open call with a really high standard of work submitted by creatives from various disciplines. With such amazing submissions it has made the selection tough but I feel that with my fellow mentors and the selection panel from the V&A Waterfront and the team at 10and5 we have chosen a really great group of creatives for this year’s Artist Alliance Programme.” A call for applications was put out in June and candidates had until 31 July to apply. Applicants were judged on talent and proficiency, motivation and drive and finally on innovation in craft and vision. “With over 75 applications it wasn’t an easy process,” says Between 10and5s MD Annél Malan. Representatives from Between 10and5, the V&A Waterfront and the mentors taking part in the Artist Alliance Programme, had an opportunity to cast a vote. The final selection was based on where most votes overlapped. Names of selected cohorts: Richard Average Nkhuwemi Kumwenda Caitlin Perrett OR Mbali Manzini Zilungile Hanise Owethu Bobotyane Kholosani Somhlahlo Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen Simthembile Twala Shakes Mbolekwana Joshua Paulse Pia Truscott Thando “Mboma” Phenyane The incubation programme kicks off on 2 September 2021 with the aim of teaching essential business skills such as how to grow a business, basic financial understanding, marketing and sales knowledge as well as how to successfully run your own digital and social media platforms. Tinyiko Mageza, the V&A Waterfront’s Executive Manager of Marketing says, “The vision is to provide a new platform for young artists, creators and creatives to find community, share insight and get support. We have reached an important milestone in the Artist Alliance journey and want to thank all those who expressed an interest in being part of the initiative. The fantastic response to our call for entries confirms the importance of this programme and we can’t wait to work with the selected artists as they reach new heights in their creative pursuit.” Artist Alliance aims to support creative self-starters to get their careers off the ground with the right mix of practical advice and industry knowledge. The programme will not only teach business skills but also give the selected cohort access to mentorship opportunities from seven leading creative industry experts, Atang Tshikare, Celeste Arendse, Mrs + Mr Luke, Earl Abrahams, Nardstar* and Storm Janse van Rensburg. Mentors were carefully selected and will play a supportive role by sharing their own experiences and industry-specific knowledge, alongside industry experts who will conduct the main curriculum sessions. #LiveArtBeHeard
