The ASDY Programme is working towards greater arts access for all communities, particularly marginalised groups. These groups include disadvantaged women, youth-at-risk, families in crisis, children without access to early childhood development initiatives and people with disabilities.

One project supported under Arts Access is the Arts in Correctional Facilities. This focus of this project is the use of various arts in the rehabilitation of offenders. It also supports the social re-integration of offenders into society, using the arts as a bridge between the offender and society.

Another is art therapy under the auspices of the Art Therapy Centre. This project uses the arts as a healing tool for children and families who are survivors of various abuses. The healing process is based on the use of arts as a means of self-expression.

The Department launched the National Youth into Arts Programme (YAP) in Mdantsane, in 2008. This programme encourages the youth to choose the arts, culture and heritage as serious and dignified careers. YAP also creates dialogues, explores possibilities of socio-economic opportunities and skills development for the youth in the arts, culture and heritage fields. YAP aims to broaden exposure to various aspects of arts business and management with a view to creating sustainable socio-economic and socio-cultural opportunities.

For more information regarding the ASDY programmes, contact the Chief Directorate: Arts, Social Development and Youth at Tel: 012-441-3055 or 012-441-3071.