Creative Skills Factory Newsletter | May 2024

In this newsletter, we would like to tell you about "Star Search".

Our Overstrand youth development programme, in collaboration with Rockpool Media and the Stanford Festival of Community Arts organizing team, is GROWING...

"Star Search" was launched in 2023 and its success was way beyond our expectations - so much so that it has become a year-round youth development and mentorship programme through the arts.

CLICK for the "Sneak a peek" video - Star Search

Of the youth who auditioned in 2023, nine Zwelilhe performers make up the core of the youth who have been participating in this programme through the last year.

The performers are made up by a male cappella group and two young women solo singers, and they have performed in paid concerts including with the Gugulethu Tenors at the Stanford Christmas Market, in a Checkers commercial and in their self-organised concerts at local schools.

The focus of the programme has been on the young people's personal growth and entrepreneurial skills.

The results of the mentorship and growth will be showcased at the upcoming FynArts Festival in the opening and closing ceremonies and at four concerts at the Kalfiefees. Both incredibly exciting opportunities for the youth and for which we thank the organisers for embracing our local talent.
 
These performances are not to be missed for anyone who enjoys pureness of voice and spirit.

These young artists epitomise the vast talent that lies within the people of South Africa and one cannot escape being deeply moved by these beautiful voices.

We have plans and are planning the rest of the coming year's programme - we are going to expand the range of mentorship currently offered and build on the capacity available to the young artists.

Year after year, the youth will evolve into community leaders, professional mentors and well-equipped entrepreneurial performing artists.

Anyone who would like to support our Star Search youth development programme and specifically the upcoming concerts with printing of t-shirts and transportation costs for example, please do contact us.

Finals at the Stanford Festival of Community Arts.