WINNERS: 2015 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

This past Tuesday the 28^th of October 2014, the 2015 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards were held in Kramerville, Johannesburg.

This year’s winners for the different categories are: Luyanda Sibiya for Dance, Nduduzo Makhathini for Jazz, Kemang Wa Lehulere for Visual Art, Musa Ngqunqwana for Music, Athi-Patra Ruga for Performance Art and Christiaan Olwagen for Theatre.

Started by the National Arts Festival in 1981, these annual awards are given to young South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen field, and whose artistic excellence has put them on the threshold of national acclaim or enabled them to make international breakthroughs. Over the past three decades they have grown to become one of the most prestigious accolades in the arts to be awarded in South Africa.

“The announcement of each year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Awards offers a window into the dynamic vibrancy with which South African artists continue to use their talents and skills to resolutely raise the bar on artistic excellence in South Africa,” says Ismail Mahomed, Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival. 

In addition to the encouragement and support the artists receive as they pursue their careers, they’re also guaranteed a place on the main programme at the next National Arts Festival. The winners also receive a cash prize and a substantial financial backing towards the realisation of whatever work they plan to exhibit or perform at the next National Arts Festival.