In 2021, the fund will continue its support for Stellenbosch University's Access to Visual Arts Programme. Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to make art and visual arts more accessible to learners from low-income groups.
"The initiative strives to introduce learners to art on a practical and theoretical level. Through the continued support of the Het Jan Marais Nationale Fund, 1 771 learners' lives have been enriched thus far through exposure to the arts and visual arts,” explains Ricky Brecht, Education and Public Programme Officer at the SU Museum.
"We place particular emphasis on schools that do not offer art as a subject. Many schools in low-income communities in South Africa have reduced or removed Visual Arts education altogether from their subject offerings, even though they still form part of the national curriculum. The reasons for this worrying trend include a shortage of qualified teachers as well as insufficient funding and facilities,” says Brecht.
Activities include a tour of the museum, drawing exercises, art analysis as well as a visit to SU's Department of Visual Arts for learners in Grades 5 to Grade 9.
"We hope that these initiatives will be the catalyst for discovering emerging artists and leaders and inspiring some to consider further study at Stellenbosch University, despite their circumstances,” adds Brecht.
The Het Jan Marais Nationale Fund annually donates millions to university programmes, schools, hospitals, cultural projects, legal clinics and various other organisations and projects, especially in the Stellenbosch district.