Among the recipients of the 2007 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards is former Durban soprano, Bronwen Forbay, currently a third year Doctor of Musical Arts student at the University of Cincinnati.

“This award affirms that the sacrifices I have made to improve myself and my art have been worthwhile,” she said with delight on hearing the news.

The other recipients are Acty Tang for Dance; Akin Omotoso for Film; Shannon Mowday for Jazz; Bronwen Forbay for Music, and Pieter Hugo for Visual Art.

As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured on the Main Programme of the 2007 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (June 28 to July 7). In addition to a cash prize, they will receive the financial backing required to mount their presentation, be it a production or exhibition.

“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are a vital element of art initiatives in South Africa,” said newly appointed Chairperson of the National Arts Festival Committee, Sibongile Khumalo. “They allow space for experimentation and give affirmation to developing talent. Standard Bank has gone a long way in giving credit to these young artists.”

The Young Artist Awards recognise South Africans of a relatively young age who have demonstrated exceptional artistic promise within their discipline and who have not yet achieved extensive national exposure and acclaim. The awards were designed to assist in promoting the careers of those selected.