15 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Choir in 2023; 339 were selected and participated in activities and programmes. Of this number, 268 students qualified for cultural bursaries at the end of the year which is dependent on strict attendance and participation criteria. Additionally, an extensive student arts appreciation programme facilitated access to 1 271 students who attended film screenings, theatre productions and exhibition openings, and a series of six master classes were offered to students from outside of the Arts Academy that attracted attendance of 78 students out of 373 who applied to attend. The division’s total attendance and participation reach across student-targeted activities is 2 753. The division’s strategic annual exhibitions and performing arts programme offers the UJ community access to good quality arts and culture experiences. Its programme included three on-site and four off-site exhibitions, through the UJ Playwriting Laboratory three new South African plays were recorded for release as podcasts in 2024 and a collection of five plays was published by Junkets, while the division produced five theatre productions and three music projects. UJ Choir performed 26 times at various concerts, events and graduations and undertook six music recording sessions. Arts & Culture’s programme was augmented through a range of robust partnerships with MTN SA Foundation, Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZuluNatal, Vole Ballet, Dramatec, Broken Borders Dance Company, Mzansi Youth Choir, Imilonji Chorale, PopART, RapidLion International Film Festival, Drama for Life at the University of the Witwatersrand, Performing Studies International Conference, New Music Africa, Malmö University, Windybrow Theatre, Italian Institute, Australian High Commission, University of Zürich, Cardinal Singers of Louisville from the United States of America, and the University of the Free State. The division also supported and was involved in activities presented by internal stakeholders including UJTV, UJFM, Transformation Unit, Alumni, and the VC offices. Tangible contributions were made to the University’s strategic objectives during the year including the submission of creative output and the support of institutional research efforts through the implementation of the Creative Output Stimulus Programme funded by University Research Committee (URC). The division also offers a robust mix of extramural learning and mentorship opportunities for students while it attracts international partners and collaborators of a high calibre. The division’s extracurricular programme offered to students from across the institution at no cost, includes UJ Choir, drama classes, a photography club, ballet, afro-fusion, and contemporary dance classes, poetry classes, workshops, and slam competitions. Arts Academy activities culminated in a weeklong year-end showcase attended by family, friends, and the public. In addition to 9 performances at graduation ceremonies, UJ Choir presented 19 concerts attended by more than 10 000 audience members during the year. Students were involved in five professional productions produced by the division, performed at 21 UJ events and undertook three excursions to the KUESTA Choral Festival in Pretoria, Vrystaat Arts Festival in Bloemfontein and to the 27th Annual Poetry Africa International Festival in Durban. Of the 3 187 students who applied, 898 students were invited to audition for the UJ Arts Academy and UJ Arts & Culture presents an extramural arts and culture programme to students from across the institution as well as a diverse annual performing arts and exhibitions programme. It is also the custodian of several facilities where a range of university and external events including Senate and faculty board meetings, VC campus engagements, strategic breakaways, conferences, lectures, concerts, festivals, and theatre productions are hosted. UJ ARTS & CULTURE
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