Artist Development

Mantswe Performing
Arts Academy

What the Academy Is

A development structure
built around projects

The Mantswe Performing Arts Academy is a development structure for singers aged 14 to 35 across the North West province, with a preference for Rustenburg-based artists. It is headed by Modise Modillane, Director of Arts and Development at Mantswe Music Collective and founder and Music Director of Cantus.

The Academy does not run as a traditional training institution. It operates on a project-based model, where singers join through specific projects rather than applying to the Academy directly. Each project has its own focus, repertoire, and performance goal.

Singers in rehearsal
The Model

How it works

01

A Project Is Announced

Each project under the Academy has a defined focus, genre, and performance outcome. When a project opens, singers are invited to audition or express interest.

02

Singers Join the Project

Selected singers join the specific project, not the Academy as a whole. They work with experienced practitioners on repertoire, technique, and stagecraft toward a public performance.

03

Public Performance

Each project culminates in a ticketed public performance, giving singers real stage experience in front of a live audience under professional conditions.

Cantus
Current Project
First Project

Cantus

Cantus is the Academy's first and currently only project. Founded and directed by Modise Modillane, Cantus is a vocal ensemble of soloists performing opera and classical repertoire.

The ensemble makes its public debut at the Cantus Launch Concert on 1 August 2026 at Lethabong, Monaisa's BnB, Rustenburg. The evening will feature approximately 10 soloists performing a programme of opera and classical works, with Breve Vocal Ensemble joining as a support act.

Cantus is the first demonstration of what the Academy exists to do: take singers with ability and give them a professional platform to grow.

Looking Ahead

More projects
to come

Cantus is the beginning. The Mantswe Performing Arts Academy is designed to grow, with new projects planned across different genres and disciplines. Each project will bring new singers, new repertoire, and new performance opportunities to artists across the North West province.

Details of future projects will be announced as they are confirmed.

"The Academy exists to close the gap between ability and opportunity. Every project is a stage someone deserved to stand on."
Get Involved

Are you a singer
in the North West?

If you are a singer aged 14 to 35 based in North West province and you are interested in joining a future Academy project, get in touch. We will keep your details on record and reach out when a suitable project opens.

Get In Touch