Deloitte KickstART programme capitalises on disadvantaged artistic talent

KickstART was established in 2013 by the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST) and Deloitte, for disadvantaged youths who showed an interest and potential in art, giving these learners the chance to benefit from art and entrepreneurial workshops that introduce them to a range of career prospects - which they often never knew existed - within the creative industries.

In its first year, 2013, five high school learners whose workshop pieces were selected by the Trust were awarded Deloitte KickstART Bursaries to attend PJ Olivier Art Centre in Stellenbosch until they matriculate. Cognisant of the leaners circumstances, the bursary is inclusive of transport, materials, career guidance and an individual mentor. "It's not enough for corporates to purely contribute money to a cause - they have to package it so it really makes a difference for the beneficiary," says Michael van Wyk, partner at Deloitte in Stellenbosch and trustee of the SOST.

Over the course of 2014, one of the bursary recipients, Aphiwe Mwezeni from Kayamandi displayed such exceptional talent and tenacity that he soon received recognition from his mentor, Nicki Kinsey-Quick.

Through Kinsey-Quick, who was particularly involved with tutoring him on History of Art, Mwezeni's inspiring story was picked up by members of the school board at Bridge House College in Franschhoek. Due to his commitment and aptitude for both art and academics, the school decided to award Mwezeni a full bursary for schooling and boarding at Bridge House until he matriculates in 2017.

"Aphiwe is an exceptionally bright young man who, from day one, displayed his commitment to KickstART and to art in general. Without the KickstART programme, which is sponsored by Deloitte, and his amazing mentor, I believe that Aphiwe would never have had access to an opportunity like this," says Andi Norton, a trustee of the SOST and Project Manager of KickstART.

Bridge House College prides itself in its art offering and Mwezeni will continue to study art as a subject at the school. His place within the KickstART bursary will be open for another talented young person to join the programme after the workshops commence in June 2015.

A 'continual Renaissance'

"In the years to come, we hope we can expose other learners to exciting opportunities and expose them to life outside of their immediate circumstances through art and design," says Norton.

Besides KickstART, in further efforts to make art more accessible to all of Stellenbosch's residents, each year, the SOST presents an annual outdoor art exhibition in the central precinct of the town. Now in its 5th year, the theme for this year's exhibition is Reflections and features work from some of South Africa's greatest artists.

Norton adds, "KickstART and our outdoor exhibition work hand in hand to promote art in Stellenbosch and to inspire our communities. Bringing fine art to the streets of the town helps to ensure that residents who would otherwise not have access to art galleries or private collections can appreciate some of the best talent that SA has to offer."

Van Wyk hopes Deloitte is contributing to a 'continual Renaissance' that keeps Stellenbosch relevant for future generations. He acknowledges the wide gap between the haves and have-nots but is optimistic that more communities in the area will be integrated through art in the years to come.