ACT Awards winners announced

In a double celebration of 20 years of the existence of ACT and the Nedbank Arts Affinity and 17 successful years of the awards, Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of the Nedbank Arts Affinity Programme reflected on the successes of the partnership between Nedbank and The Arts & Culture Trust: "Nedbank is honoured to be able to support and recognise talented South Africans who are telling our history, our present and future narratives through different forms of art. One of the reasons we can reflect and celebrate 20 years of a democracy is because of the wealth of artists that contribute to the preservation of our history, our national heritage and cultures. The winners join this rich lineage of men and women who have committed themselves to being the guardians of nation. Our 20-year partnership with ACT is testimony of our commitment to making the arts happen," he said.

Jade Bowers (Theatre), Thabo Makhetha Kwinana (Design), Nomfundo Xaluva (Music), Beven de Wet (Visual Art). Pic by Gareth Jacobs

The ImpACT Awards acknowledges young professionals in the arts who have promising careers ahead of them, already having made a fine imprint on the arts and culture on home soil, and are within five years of their professional careers. The finalists are nominated by the public and adjudicated by a chosen panel of expert judges, the following winners received an award: Jade Bowers for Theatre, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana for Design, Bevan de Wet for Visual Art, and Nomfundo Xaluva for Music.

"We never cease to be inspired by the ImpACT Award winners each year. They follow in the footsteps of remarkable artists who have continued to soar to greater heights, not only locally but internationally as well. We are privileged to have had the opportunity, at a crucial juncture in their careers, to encourage them to continue pushing boundaries and testing limits. We wish this year's winners well in their future endeavours while watching in anticipation as their careers unfold," said ACT CEO Pieter Jacobs.

Judging panel

The judging panel for the 2014 ImpACT Awards was headed by ACT Ambassador and creative professional Caroline Smart, with judges: visual artist David Koloane, arts education and heritage activist Nadia Virasamy, 2013 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre Prince Lamla, culture and craft mentor Eugenie Drakes, and jazz music legend Herbie Tsoaeli.

Caroline Smart commented: "Every year the Arts & Culture Trust honours four ImpACT Awards to young professionals on their achievements. The judges look for impressive progress and excellence in both the individual and the impact that they have made in their communities. ACT is committed to supporting their development path and ultimate success."

ACT also honours those who have had a lifelong commitment to the arts and five deserving Lifetime Achievement Awards have been awarded this year. The awards are nominated by the ACT Board of Trustees and selected by current and previous ACT Trustees. Categories including Theatre, Music, Visual Art and Literature are awarded to recipients who have had a major impact on the arts, culture and heritage of South Africa. This is the first year a special award has been made for Arts Advocacy.

ACT has honoured Sam Nzima for Visual Art, Richard Cock for Music, Andre P Brink for Literature and Richard Loring for Theatre. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Arts Advocacy, honours patrons in the arts who have devoted a lifetime of work to supporting the arts, and this year this award has gone to Mandie van der Spuy.

For more information about the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), go to www.act.org.za