Abagold Development Trust

Luvo Maranti Arts Scholarship

Helping a young artist from the Overstrand realise the dream of studying the arts at post-secondary level.

About the scholarship

Born of one artist's dream — carried forward for others

The Luvo Maranti Arts Scholarship (LMAS) was established in 2022 by Luvo Maranti, a young tenor from Zwelihle in the Overstrand, and is administered by the Abagold Development Trust.

Each year the scholarship seeks out one arts student from the wider Overstrand community and helps that person accomplish the dream of studying the arts at post-secondary level.

Categories include

  • Drama & Theatre Arts
  • Music
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Literature
  • Architecture
  • Film
  • Dance
  • …and more

The story behind it

From Zwelihle to the opera stage

Luvo Maranti, a former member of Abagold's Human Resources department and a gifted singer, received financial support — facilitated by Abagold Managing Director Tim Hedges — to study towards a Diploma in Music Performance (Opera) at UCT's South African College of Music, graduating in 2023.

His path led to a summer school for aspiring opera singers at the International Lyric Academy in Vicenza, Italy, where he was selected to sing the lead role of Rinuccio in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi; the following year brought master classes and the lead in The Tales of Hoffmann in Charlotte, North Carolina, before further performances in Italy. Luvo now gives back through regular fundraising concerts, sits on the selection panel and mentors new beneficiaries.

The scholarship's first recipient is Ronaldo Bantom, a self-taught visual artist from the region. Through the scholarship he is refining his technique and exploring new genres of creative expression while taking online courses in marketing and entrepreneurship and working as an assistant art teacher at the Hermanus Visual Arts and Design Centre.

Luvo Maranti performing on stageArtwork by Ronaldo Bantom, first recipient of the scholarship

Eligibility

Who may apply

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Resident in the Overstrand — applications from previously disadvantaged communities are given priority
  • An excellent academic and behavioural school record
  • Preliminary enrolment and acceptance at the higher-education institution of your choice

Application process

How to apply

  1. 1

    Complete the Trust's online application form — your personal details, schooling, most recent academic performance and proposed area of study, including whether you would be the first in your family to attend a post-school tertiary institution.

  2. 2

    Attach a resumé that tells the adjudicators why your application to study the arts should be considered — listing academic honours, awards and recognition, your hobbies and interests, and any community service or volunteer work.

  3. 3

    Performing-arts applicants (music, dance, drama, film) should include a link to a video of themselves in performance on YouTube or another trusted platform; visual-arts applicants should attach a portfolio of their work.

Applications are made through the Trust's online form — the Luvo Maranti Scholarship application form

Questions about the scholarship can be directed to the Trust at info@abagolddevelopmenttrust.co.za

The scholarship is awarded to one student each year. Application closing dates for the current cycle are announced by the Abagold Development Trust.

Questions about the scholarship?

Get in touch and our team will gladly point you in the right direction.

Contact us