The Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) is inviting applications from HIV/AIDS related arts and culture projects for ACT NOW! Against AIDS. Projects taking place in 2009 are eligible for support and ACT will consider requests up to a maximum of R50,000.

Loosely based on the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS model in America which raises funds for AIDS in Africa at the opening performances of hit Broadway shows, the programme administered by ACT aims to mobilise the unique abilities within the performing arts in South Africa to raise funds for HIV/AIDS related arts and culture projects.

To date ACT has provided support for more than 500 projects in all arts disciplines throughout South Africa. With support received from Gold Reef City Casinos and the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, ACT is now pleased to invite requests for support from arts and culture projects which specifically support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Since inception ACT has maintained a leadership role in raising and distributing funds to worthy cultural initiatives across South Africa. In a fairly bleak economic climate our role becomes even more crucial," said ACT Trustee Brenda Devar who received the first donation of R100,000 on behalf of the Trust from Gold Reef City Casinos at the opening night of the return season of "African Footprint" where ACT NOW! Against AIDS was launched. "All money raised locally will be used to support cultural initiatives that are either run by or whose beneficiaries are those who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS," she added. Most recently the Johannesburg Civic Theatre has pledged support for ACT NOW! by donating a portion of proceeds from a performance of "Snow White" to the programme.

Requests should be submitted via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with ACT NOW! in the subject line following the application guidelines for letters of enquiry outlined on the "apply" page of ACT website at http://www.act.org.za/.