By The Buz Hive:
Sibikwa Arts Centre is calling for applications to two complementary training programmes designed to strengthen South Africa’s inclusive arts ecosystem, supporting both dancers with disabilities and the cultural practitioners who shape how their work is shared with the world.
Running from August to November 2026 and supported through National Arts Council (NAC) bursaries, the programmes respond to a clear gap in the sector: while artists with disabilities continue to face limited access to professional development opportunities, many arts managers, organisers, and media practitioners remain under-equipped to communicate inclusive work in ways that are informed, ethical, and empowering.
Together, these two streams work from both sides of the equation, developing artistic excellence while strengthening the narratives, platforms, and public understanding that enable that work to thrive.
Inclusive Dance Skills Development Programme
For Dancers with Disabilities
This structured, professional training programme centres on inclusive dance as a serious, contemporary artistic practice.
Participants will work within an accessible and collaborative environment, developing technical skill, creative voice, and performance readiness through embodied practice, choreography, and rehearsal processes. The programme affirms diverse bodies, movement languages, and lived experiences as central to artistic excellence.
Crucially, the training culminates in performance opportunities at the Body Moves International Inclusive Dance Festival, ensuring that development is directly linked to visibility and professional platforms.
What the programme offers:
- Inclusive contemporary dance training and embodied movement practice
- Creative exploration and choreography development
- Professional rehearsal processes
- Mentorship and collaborative learning
- Performance opportunity at the 2026 Body Moves Festival
Who should apply:
- Dancers with disabilities (emerging or mid-career)
- Individuals interested in performance, creative development, and collaboration.
The programme is designed to accommodate participants with physical, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to discuss specific access requirements during the application process.
Location & commitment:
- In-person at Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni
- 2 days per week, August – November 2026
Training value: R10 243 per participant (including transport allowance), which is fully supported through National Arts Council (NAC) bursaries for selected participants.
About the Programme Facilitator
Thapelo Kotlolo, Inclusive Dance Facilitator, is a choreographer, director, and educator whose work is rooted in inclusive dance and socially responsive performance.
A graduate of Sibikwa Arts Centre and a member of the Sibikwa Dance Company, Kotlolo has performed on major platforms including Dance Umbrella and the Spring Loaded Festival, and has collaborated internationally with artists and companies such as Introdans (Netherlands). His choreographic work foregrounds access, identity, and embodiment, with recent works including Bells and Sirens and Disembodied, which continue to push the boundaries of inclusive performance practice.
Communications & Journalism Training for Inclusive Arts Practice
For Arts Managers, Event Organisers & Journalists
Running alongside the dance programme is a national, online training stream focused on strengthening how inclusive arts are communicated, framed, and understood.
This programme recognises that inclusive artistic work often struggles to reach audiences and markets due to weak framing, limited disability awareness, or reductive storytelling. Participants will develop the tools to engage critically and responsibly with inclusive arts, shaping narratives that are accurate, respectful, and compelling.
What the programme offers:
- Training in inclusive arts communication
- Disability-aware approaches to journalism and media representation
- Audience development and public engagement strategies
- Advocacy, framing, and narrative development
- Peer learning and critical dialogue
Who should apply:
- Arts managers and producers in inclusive or community-based art
- Festival and event organisers
- Journalists, writers, and media practitioners
- Cultural workers committed to ethical representation
Delivery format:
- Fully online
- 1 session per week over 4 months (August – November 2026)
- Open nationally
Training value: R3 568 per participant, which is fully supported through National Arts Council (NAC) bursaries for the selected participants.
About the Programme Facilitator
Bridget van Oerle is an experienced facilitator, mentor and award-winning communications practitioner with a strong ability to translate concepts into practical, engaging learning. With decades of experience across media, public relations and stakeholder engagement, she brings both industry insight and real-world application into every training environment.
Building an Inclusive Arts Ecosystem
“True inclusion requires more than access to training for artists alone,” says Sibikwa Arts Centre CEO Caryn Green. “It also requires cultural workers, organisers, and journalists who understand how to communicate about inclusive practice with depth, respect, and clarity.”
By investing in both artistic development and communication practice, Sibikwa is working towards a more sustainable and visible inclusive arts sector where artists with disabilities are recognised as professionals, and where their work is represented with the nuance and integrity it deserves.
Applications
Applications are now open for both programmes and should include:
- A brief motivation letter explaining why you would like to participate in the programme (Video submissions can be accommodated for accessibility purposes, on request)
- A short CV
- Certified copy of ID
For more information and application details, contact: info@sibikwa.co.za
Media Queries: Bridget van Oerle, The BUZ Hive email: bridget@thebuzhive.co.za
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