Applications open for 2014 CTIJF Arts Journalism Programme

The late Nelson Rohilahla Mandela observed that "the curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even when it tells a sad tale", and that is particularly true of South African jazz.

In 2014 - an election year marking 20 years of democracy and myriad fascinating stories - the role of music in society will feature strongly on the course agenda. Participants will explore the full storehouse of transferrable arts journalism skills - reviewing, interviewing, and writing about the industry, and much more - through intensive practical work focused on South Africa's leading jazz festival.

The course is subtitled 'Reviving the Drumbeat', a reminder that half a century ago, music writers like Todd Matshikiza on Drum magazine originated a unique style of South African jazz journalism.

Says Gwen Ansell, the programme's director: "This programme aims to get today's music writers walking in those footsteps". One of last year's participants also aptly commented: "I think my appreciation for SA music has improved and I am now much more aware of the history, emotion and talent on the local scene - something to be lauded, appreciated and told - I am glad to have been a part of the course. I love jazz and this experience reminded me why. Viva Music!"

To date, the course has assisted 194 writers to refine their arts reporting skills and expand their horizons - and even helped grow many careers. Part of the CTIJF's Sustainable Training and Development (T&D) programme, the CTIJF arts journalism course is the only short course of its kind in South Africa. The programme covers the curriculum of Unit Standard 117541, part of the SAQA-approved National Certificate in Journalism, ranked at Level Five on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and so is suitable for interns as well as more mature reporters new to the arts and lifestyle beat.

The course is a highly credible, useful, intense and hands-on learning programme that has seen a number of past participants go on to win local and international journalism awards and even scholarships.

Rashid Lombard, founder and CEO of the CTIJF shared his delight at the numbers of enquiries the programme has already attracted: "As a Festival, we are more than just a two-day musical entertainment extravaganza. The training and development programme that the CTIJF has initiated and continues to enhance, attracts enormous interest each year. This is a testament to the growing importance of the arts in South Africa. But the number of delegates is limited and participants are therefore urged to apply as soon as possible."

The closing date for application is 7 February 2014 and the programme runs from 22-29 March 2014.

For full details on how to apply, go to www.capetownjazzfest.com.