Inscape Education Group is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of the Campus of Performing Arts (Copa), marking another important milestone in the implementation of its Vision 2031.
Copa students performing
Established in 1981, Inscape has spent more than four decades preparing graduates for careers across the creative industries. As the institution approaches its fiftieth anniversary in 2031, its long-term direction is shaped by a simple aspiration:
For our people to look back and see the difference we have made.
The acquisition of COPA forms part of this commitment to strengthening specialist creative higher education and creating sustainable opportunities for students, staff and the industries they serve.
For more than two decades, Copa has developed musicians, performers, producers and creative professionals for South Africa's music and entertainment industries. Through the acquisition, Copa enters a new chapter with the support of Inscape Education Group while retaining its distinctive identity.
Copa continues to operate as a separately registered private higher education institution and remains responsible for its accredited higher education provision, academic delivery, student and academic records, assessment and certification.
Following the acquisition, work commenced to stabilise operations, support students and staff, strengthen institutional capacity and prepare the organisation for sustainable future growth. Semester 2 teaching resumed on 20 July 2026, with Copa continuing delivery from its current Midrand, Pretoria and Durban locations.
Copa students performing
Strengthening a specialist creative community
The acquisition creates opportunities for Copa to benefit progressively from the wider capability available within Inscape Education Group while preserving the specialist environment that is central to music education.
Students and staff will increasingly have opportunities to engage with a broader creative community spanning design, architecture, fashion, digital marketing and communication, business and entrepreneurship.
Access to shared institutional capability in areas such as academic quality, student support, professional development, systems, learning resources and professional services is expected to further strengthen Copa's operating environment.
Importantly, these developments do not change Copa's current regulatory responsibility for its students and accredited provision.
"Copa has built something distinctive over many years," says Helen Bührs, chief executive officer of Inscape Education Group. "Our immediate priority is to protect what is valuable, strengthen the foundations of the institution and create the conditions in which its students, staff and academic community can continue to grow."
Vision 2031
Vision 2031 sets Inscape's direction as it approaches its fiftieth anniversary.
The strategy reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening specialist higher education for Africa's creative economy through academic quality, relevant learning, responsible growth, stronger institutional capability and meaningful connection with industry and society.
The acquisition of Copa follows Inscape Education Group's acquisition of Villioti Fashion Institute in March 2026. Both institutions retain their current legal and regulatory identities while participating in a broader specialist creative education community.
"Growth only matters if it strengthens the educational experience and creates meaningful opportunity," says Bührs. "Our focus is therefore not simply on becoming larger, but on building stronger academic communities and institutions that are able to contribute meaningfully over time."
Upcoming Copa Open Day
Prospective students are invited to experience Copa firsthand at its upcoming Open Day on Saturday, 12 September 2026, taking place in Durban, Midrand and Pretoria.
To attend, simply RSVP online at www.copasa.co.za.
Copa students performing
Looking ahead
The immediate focus for Copa is to strengthen its existing academic provision, support students and staff, reinforce academic and institutional systems, and build a sustainable platform for the future.
As this work progresses, opportunities for collaboration across creative disciplines, stronger industry engagement and new forms of academic and professional interaction will continue to be explored.
Copa's specialist identity will remain central to that journey.
About Inscape Education Group
Established in 1981, Inscape Education Group is a South African private higher education institution with a long-standing focus on the creative disciplines.
Through Vision 2031, Inscape is continuing to strengthen its academic offering, institutional capability and contribution to Africa's creative economy. Its mission is to develop graduates who are work-ready, life-ready, society-ready and challenge-ready.
About Copa
The Campus of Performing Arts (Copa) is a specialist South African private higher education institution focused on contemporary music, performance, production and music business.
Its accredited Diploma in Music provides specialist pathways in these areas. For more than two decades, Copa has developed musicians, performers, producers and creative professionals who have contributed to South Africa's music and entertainment industries.
