The Arts & Culture Trust announces return of the annual ACT Luminary Awards. Picture: Facebook / Arts & Culture Trust (ACT)
Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is reintroducing the ACT Luminary Awards, now rebranded for their 23rd edition.
This event marks both ACT’s 30th anniversary and South Africa's 30 years of democracy.
Since 1998, the ACT Awards have recognised and honoured excellence in South African arts, culture, and creativity.
The awards celebrate South African luminaries in the cultural and creative industries who continue to preserve, grow and promote South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage, as well as show excellence in arts entrepreneurship.
Esteemed artists and creatives that are past honorees of the ACT Awards include Esther Mahlangu, William Kentridge, Sibongile Khumalo, Johnny Clegg, Gibson Kente, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Sylvia Glasser, Dorothy Masuku, Miriam Makeba, Caiphus Semenya and many others.
This year promises to build on the esteem of the ACT Awards legacy under the theme of African Luminaries, said ACT.
ACT is calling on South African artists, cultural and creative producers, entrepreneurs, community arts centres, diverse arts organisations and individuals who are pushing the envelope within the disciplines of performing arts, music, visual and digital arts, indigenous art forms and literature, to nominate their 2024 award recipients. Qualifying artists will be able to nominate themselves for the awards.
There are four categories for the awards and they are:
Excellence in the Arts (18–45 years of age): Recognising artists and arts organisations excelling in various disciplines, focusing on artistic excellence, innovation, and positive community and sector impact.
Excellence in Arts Entrepreneurship (no age restriction): Celebrating entrepreneurial achievements in the cultural and creative industries, rewarding innovation and sustainability.
Excellence in Arts Advocacy or Administration (28–75 years): Recognising arts administrators, arts activists, and arts organisations advocating for the development of the arts, culture and heritage sector in various disciplines with a focus on artistic excellence and a positive and demonstrated community impact.
ACT Lifetime Award (55 years or over): This award celebrates individuals in arts and culture whose enduring dedication has greatly enriched South Africa's arts and cultural landscape over at least 20 years.
“We are excited to be reviving the awards this year, not only as a celebratory event for our 30th anniversary but also as a flagship industry event that honours those who give their artistic excellence and commitment to the sector to ensure its future and visibility.”
“We are excited to extend the offering beyond the awards night with an alumni programme designed to further support the winners in their endeavours,” said ACT Chief Executive Officer Jessica Denyschen.
Denyschen added that ACT is also proud to publicly announce their partnership with the South African Gallery of Legends for the ACT Luminary Awards.
“This partnership ensures that we create a tangible pathway for recognised excellence in the arts across generations in a meaningful and connected way,” said Denyschen.