​In 2012, Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST) a non-profit organisation bringing contemporary art to a broad audience through outdoor exhibitions, launched KickstART as an educational extension to further extend the reach of art involving all communities around Stellenbosch, particularly vulnerable youths. In September 2012, KickstART was launched inviting over 180 learners from 15 schools in surrounding Stellenbosch communities to partake in tours of the public art in Stellenbosch, followed by art-related workshop programmes at the Stellenbosch University Museum. Through this programme, a highly experienced curatorial panel identified five learners who show exceptional creative talent and promise to partake in an art bursary and mentorship programme.

KickstART aims to make a long-term contribution and commitment towards the development of vulnerable youth in and around the Stellenbosch community by opening up career opportunities in the arts and creative industries. This aim is achieved through bursary programmes, holistically supporting and developing participants, inspiring future visions and dreams and enabling them to reach their full potential. In 2013, 5 learners were awarded bursaries to study at the PJ Olivier Art Centre in Stellenbosch, along with all materials and art supplies, transport to and from class, a meal on the days they have class and career counselling and guidance from Welgevallen Community Clinic. What makes the bursary programme unique is that each child is allocated a mentor who has been carefully selected to match their unique needs to prevent programme dropout and provide additional support to participants.

KickstART’s members are a collective of about 40 volunteers, including artists, arts activists, teachers, child psychologists and academics. What began as the educational arm of SOST has grown to include support from many organisations in Stellenbosch, including the Stellenbosch Arts Association, Stellenbosch360, the PJ Olivier art school, the Spier Arts Academy, the University’s Sasol Art Museum, the Stellenbosch Municipality, the University of Stellenbosch and Deloitte. None of this would have been possible without the support of Deloitte and we are immensely grateful for your loyal support. Through this sponsorship, the Deloitte team have offered so much more than simply a financial contribution. You have been generous with your time, infrastructure and genuine belief in KickstART, thank you. We believe that through the KickstART programme, we can make a sustainable difference in the lives of undiscovered artists and the community around us and are asking you to consider partnering with us in hosting 2014’s KickstART programme. This programme will consist of a guided tour of the Kom Sit public art exhibition, followed by three art-related workshops at the Sasol Museum. 105 Learners from over 10 schools in the surrounding Stellenbosch community will be accommodated. Through this programme, we would again like to identify learners showing exceptional talent and promise to partake in the bursary and mentorship programme.