Our entrepreneurial incubators, national leadership contributions, and training for Community Arts Centre professionals are reshaping the creative sector. With the support of partners like the Entrepreneurship Development Trust and CATHSSETA, we’re equipping artists and leaders to thrive.
Sibikwa’s advocacy voice, courageous leadership and community of practice is growing – with our CEO’s presentation on embedding sustainable practices at the Western Cape’s Community Arts Indaba in Knysna, her participation in the 2025 Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation’s Leading for Humanity Programme, her contribution to a panel discussion on 30 years of the French Institute in South Africa: From Cooperation To Co-Creation, and her attendance at the International Programme of Denmark’s National Arts Festival – CPH Stage this May. With lifelong learning and professional development as a core principle and value at Sibikwa, we look forward to our management staff’s participation in Investec’s 2025/26 Team Coaching Programme, and DG Murray Trust’s Amplify. Mobilise. Change Digital Communication Programme.
In February, 54 managers, administrators, and officers from Community Arts Centres (CACs) across Gauteng attended training to Enhance Business & Administrative Skills for CACs. These 2-day programmes, funded by CATHSSETA, implemented by Sibikwa in partnership with the Federation of Gauteng Community Arts Centres, and supported by Alexsa Kopano (Alexandra) and Luthando Arts Academy (Sebokeng), the workshops strengthened essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, resource generation, and administration, with training aligned to SAQA-accredited unit standards to ensure industry relevance and professional development.
The Uvuko Creative Arts Entrepreneurship Incubator concluded in April with township-based enterprises launching their businesses at prestigious festivals and events in Gauteng. We thank the Entrepreneurship Development Trust, for coming on board again this year, as a thinking and funding partner, and we look forward to the incredible energy, growth and success of the 2025/26 cohort, following their induction at Sibikwa Arts Centre on 15 May. Such projects, that invest in the development of township youth, are essential for the transformation of our economy and country – addressing challenges from youth unemployment to gender equity. By embedding enterprise development and mentorship alongside professional accredited training, we’re co-creating economic pathways out of unemployment. But the path is not an easy one – this article details some of the paradoxes of offering such programmes in township spaces: Beyond the Brief.
We look forward to welcoming our 7th cohort of FirstRand FirstJob Interns in July, joining a community of over 30 young people who have gained hands-on workplace experience, mentorship and professional development, grown their professional networks and portfolios, through this internship opportunity to work on real-world project and events in the Creative and Cultural Industry.