Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2008

Zanne Stapelberg has been awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2008 in the Music category.

The Young Artist Awards recognise young South Africans who have demonstrated exceptional artistic promise within their discipline but who have not yet achieved extensive national exposure and acclaim. The awards are designed to assist in promoting the careers of those selected.

Since their inception in 1981, the awards have recognised some 89 artists. Previous winners include the likes of Paul Slabolepszy (1983), Andrew Buckland (1986), William Kentridge (1987), Johnny Clegg (1989), and Sibongile Khumalo (1993).

As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured on the Main Programme of the 2008 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (26 June to 5 July). In addition to a cash prize, they will receive the financial backing required to present their work, be it a production or exhibition.

“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are a vital element of art initiatives in South Africa,” said Sibongile Khumalo, Chairperson of the National Arts Festival. “They allow space for experimentation and give affirmation to developing talent. Standard Bank has gone a long way in giving credit to these young artists.”

The other 2008 winners are: Dada Masilo for Dance, Mark Fransman for Music, Nontsikelelo Veleko for Visual Art and Jaco Bouwer for Drama

November 28th, 2007