GEORGE
FOUNDATION OF
THE ARTS DIRECTORS
JAN-ERIK SWART
Jan-Erik Swart, B.A. (Mus) HED, M.Mus is the artistic director of the acclaimed South Cape Children's Choir.
Under his direction, the choir has attained, a.o:
* National winners of the ATKV Animato Choral Competition;
* Kanna award- best musical production (KKNK);
* IFCM World Champions in the Open Category, World Choir Games,
Riga Latvia;
* Cum laude & summa cum laude at the Europees Muziekfestival voor
de Jeugd, Pelt, Belgium;
* Currently, 234th position in the Musica Mundi rankings for the best
500 choirs in the world.
He has shared the stage with international performers and groups from across the globe, including Dana Winner, the World Youth Choir, Chris Chameleon, Coenie de Villiers, P.J. Powers, Jannie Moolman, André Schwartz, Michael Lindt, Richard Cock, and many more.
Jan-Erik was awarded an Illuminated Address by the George Municipality for his work in cultural upliftment in the city, and is currently completing his Doctorate of Music in choral conducting.
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QUINTIN VAN BILJON
Quintin is the dynamic Artistic Director at the George Arts Theatre and the visionary founder and principal of White Peacock Studio, a premier drama and musical theatre studio in George. With a career spanning nearly two decades since 2005, Quintin has immersed himself in the theatre industry, excelling as an actor, writer, and director of diverse productions. His fervent passion for the performing arts is infectious, inspiring all who have the pleasure of working with him.
TANIA ELS
Tania Els, Visual Arts director, is a seasoned artist, curator and educator with over 25 years of experience bridging the world of fine art and education.
With a BVA in Visual Arts, an Honours in Art History, and expertise as an art director and curator, she brings unparalleled creative vision to the platform.
Her background spans teaching Visual Arts and Art History under South Africa’s IEB curriculum.
Her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of cultural heritage makes her a dynamic force in her involvement with the Hoogekraal Educational Trust as acting curator and
project manager.
Her vision and initiatives aim to elevate skill levels and foster a deeper appreciation for the Arts as a whole.
PARTNER WITH US!
ABBI GELDENHUYS
Abbi started dancing at the age of 3 and grew up in a ballet studio. She danced in many school and stage productions as a student and in 1996 won the South Cape Dance Festival Senior Ballet Championships.
In 1997 she commenced training at UCT School of Dance and graduated with a Performers Certificate in Dance, as well as immense experience dancing with CTCB and various international choreographers.
She also studied Drama, graduating with a Performers Certificate in Speech and Drama through Trinity College, and gained experience as a stand-up comic and in theatre-sports performing.
As a qualified dance teacher, she completed the Associate and Associate Diploma Qualification in the Cecchetti Method (International) in 2003 and is the secretary for the Cecchetti Society's Eastern Cape branch.
She runs a full-time ballet school and teaches ballet at various preschools in George.
Abbi's passion for creating opportunities for the youth to experience the magic of performing is what drives her. The opportunities that George Foundation of the Arts offers with events such as the South Cape Arts Festival are tantamount to developing the youth, under qualified and careful guidance from industry leaders.
