Webcam courtesy of 
Festival News
Pic Of The Day
2010 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winners Embody Cross-Pollinated Creativity
Tuesday 10 November 2009
The newly announced Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners for 2010 embody a group of artists that are multi-talented, collaborative and eclectic. These artists personify the era of creative cross-pollination that is fast becoming the new standard of artistic expression in the emerging arts-leadership generation.
The 2010 Standard Band Young Artist Award winners were announced last night at a function hosted by Standard Bank at the impressive Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg.
These awards, recognised as one of the most prestigious of their kind in the country, honour young South African artists who are on the brink of national acclaim. Besides providing them with financial support and a platform for experimentation, it gives recognition to their exceptional talent.
“Over the past 26 years, the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards have been heralded by the artistic community as the most sought after accolade to catapult the careers of young artists into the national and international arena,” said National Arts Festival Director, Ismail Mahomed.
The winners of the 2010 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are:
Michael MacGarry for Visual Art
Samson Diamond for Music
Janni Young for Theatre
Melanie Scholtz for Jazz
Mlu Zondi for Dance
Claire Angelique for Film
This group of multifaceted young creative artists will be the ambassadors for South Africa’s emerging arts-talent in an intensely significant year for the nation.
“As the world gathers in South Africa next year, these six artists will stand out as a testament to the enormous talent and cultural innovation that positions the South African arts sector as a significant player in the international arena,” said Mandie van der Spuy, head of art sponsorships at Standard Bank.
“This unique award represents a substantial vote of confidence and a show of institutional support in my career. As a young artist one cannot ask for better,” said graphic designer/ writer/visual artist/curator, Michael MacGarry, 2010 winner for Visual Art.
“The vision and initiative of corporate companies like Standard Bank who sponsor awards, recognise the talents and aspirations of young artists who would normally struggle without the financial support and platform,” said international violin maestro Samson Diamond, 2010’s winner for Music.
“The awards are a space to create, and are also a reflection on what is important to the artistic community of South Africa. It gives young artists a place and a voice in the ever-evolving cultural identity of South Africa,” said South Africa’s own “Geppetto”, Janni Young, 2010 winner for Theatre.
“I am so honoured and humbled to have been selected to be part of a long line of musicians that have influenced me as a musician and a human being,” said jazz-diva Melanie Scholtz, 2010 winner for Jazz. “It is such an incredible opportunity to strive and reach for greatness.”
“For a dancer who works in a conceptual art domain it was humbling to receive the award, because it made me realise I am on the right track,” said 2010 winner for dance, Mlu Zondi, “It assured me that my work is being noticed.”
“The award is headed in the right direction by embracing the mind and soul that destroys, rethinks, then reassembles to embrace the new or unexplored. By embracing young artists we are embracing the future and rewarding a new generation’s point of view,” said Claire Angelique, 2010 winner for Film.
“Over the past 26 years the Young Artist Awards have played a significant role in developing and promoting South Africa’s artistic talent,” said Standard Bank’s Mandie van der Spuy. ”We are proud to be able to continue contributing to the advancement of the artist’s careers as well as our country’s cultural heritage. The 2010 winners all demonstrate a passion for and dedication to their craft which will no doubt ensure that they reach the pinnacle of success in their artistic professions.”
“I think that, especially in the difficult financial times we find ourselves in, Standard Bank has definitely taken the initiative and have been very brave and visionary in supporting the arts as a country's treasure, and voice. I am proud to be associated with such a supportive brand,” said Scholtz.
“Standard Bank has taken a huge lead in terms of supporting young artists,” said Zondi. “This award puts you at the forefront of the South African art scene. You also get a huge platform being part of the National Arts Festival. What more can you ask for!” said an excited Zondi.
“The Standard Bank Young Artist award is unique for a number of reasons,” said MacGarry. “It is multi-disciplinary, recognising cultural and creative production across a number of platforms and media. It is also an unsolicited award rather than an open entry competition. All of these aspects differentiate the award from any other in the country.”
“Awards to young artists are imperative in the struggle of practicing your art,” said Diamond. “Awards help the artist not to alter their aspirations because of a lack of financial support or recognition.”
“The loyal support of Standard Bank over the past 26 years demonstrates the invaluable partnership between the arts and the corporate sector which is crucial if we are to grow and preserve a strong cultural legacy,” said Mahomed.
As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured on the Main Programme of the 2010 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (20 June - 4 July 2010). This platform gives them the license to present an innovative piece of work that will première at the Festival.
“I believe that this dynamic group of Standard Bank Young Artists will be able to stand tall amongst all the previous winners of this prestigious award. They have become strong ambassadors for South African art,” said Mahomed. “This ‘gallery’ of South African artists is perhaps the best cultural legacy that we can bestow on future generations of South Africans who will judge our civilization by the cultural legacy that we have promoted and preserved for them,” he added.
Ends
Note to editors
Previous Winners
1981 Richard Grant, John Theodore, Jules van de Vijver 1982 Janice Honeyman, Neil Rodger, Lindy Raizenberg 1983 Paul Slabolepszy, Malcolm Payne, David Kosviner 1984 Peter Schütz, Ken Leach Standard Bank - 1820 Foundation 10th Anniversary Special Award: Lamar Crowson, 1985 Marion Arnold, Maishe Maponya, Sidwill Hartman 1986 Andrew Buckland, Gavin Younge 1987 William Kentridge, Hans Roosenschoon 1988 Margaret Vorster, Mbongeni Ngema 1989 Johnny Clegg, Marthinus Basson, Helen Sebidi, Gary Gordon 1820 Foundation Special Award Pieter-Dirk Uys 1990 Robyn Orlin, Fée Halsted-Berning, Bonnie Ntshalintshali 1991 Peter Ngwenya, Andries Botha, Darrell Roodt 1992 Deon Opperman, Tommy Motswai, Raphael Vilakazi, Kevin Harris 1993 Christopher Kindo, Sibongile Khumalo, Pippa Skotnes 1994 Jerry Mofokeng, Sam Nhlengethwa, Michael Williams 1995 Jane Alexander, Boyzie Cekwana, John Ledwaba, Abel Motsoadi 1996 Lara Foot Newton, Trevor Makhoba, Vincent Mantsoe, Victor Masondo 1997 Lien Botha, Geoffrey Hyland, Sibongile Mngoma Standard Bank Special Award for vision, commitment and contribution, Alfred Hinkel 1998 David Mudanalo Matamela, Debbie Rakusin, Bongani Ndodana, Nhlanhla Xaba, Aubrey Sekhabi 1999 No awards made. 2000 Zenzi Mbuli, Gloria Bosman, Alan Alborough 2001 Tracey Human, Brett Bailey, Fikile Mvinjelwa, Walter Oltmann 2002 Gregory Vuyani Moqoma, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, Prince Kupi, Brett Murray 2003 Moya Michael, Yael Faber, Dumisani Phakathi, Angela Gilbert, Berni Searle 2004 Kathryn Smith, Mncedisi Shabangu, Portia Lebohang Mashigo, Tutu Puone, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa (posthumously) 2005 Wim Botha, P J Sabbagha, Andile Yenana, Mpumelelo Grootboom 2006 Concord Nkabinde, Churchill Madikida, Hlengiwe Lushaba, Sylvaine Strike 2007 Acty Tang, Bronwen Forbay, Shanon Mowday, Pieter Hugo, Akin Omotoso 2008 Dada Masilo, Nontsikelelo ‘Lolo’ Veleko, Jaco Bouwer, Mark Fransman, Zanne Stapelberg 2009 Thabo Rapoo, Kesivan Naidoo, Nicholas Hlobo, Jacques Imbrailo, Ntshieng Mokgoro.
About the Standard bank Young Artist Awards
The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to acknowledge emerging, relatively young South African artists who have displayed an outstanding talent in their artistic endeavours. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in different disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 26-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards. The winners feature on the main programme of the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown and receive financial support for their Festival participation, as well as a cash prize.
ISSUED BY : THE FAMOUS IDEA TRADING CC
ON BEHALF OF : NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL, GRAHAMSTOWN
CONTACT : GILLY HEMPHILL
TEL : 021 886 4900
CELL : 082 820 8584
EMAIL : gilly@thefamousidea.co.za
More Festival News
Thursday 19 August 2010
The National Arts Festival Grahamstown, one of the worldís iconic arts events, is proud to announce its partnership with the WITS 969 Festival and Arts Alive for the first time in 2010. The all-new WITS 969 Festival 2010 is ...Thursday 5 August 2010
With only two weeks left for artists and companies to submit proposals to be considered for the 2011 National Arts Festival, Festival Director Ismail Mahomed is optimistic that a large number of proposals will be received following the steady overall ...Thursday 8 July 2010
As tributes pour in for the legendary Cape Town based jazz musician Robbie Jansen, who passed away last night after battling with emphysema for several years, the committee and organisers of the National Arts Festival wish to add their deepest ...Tuesday 6 July 2010
The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown has reported year-on-year growth on attendance of 8.47%, with total attendance at Festival events in 2010 reaching 185 776. TOTAL ATTENDANCE % change 2005 139 100 5.18% 2006 140 960 ...Wednesday 30 June 2010
By Festival Director Ismail Mahomed Directing an arts festival offers many joys and the pains that come with the glitz and the glamour of nursing the ambitions of directors, designers writers, actors and a whole team of backstage people ...