BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – The European Union Bushfire Schools Festival has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 14th edition of the annual EU Bushfire Schools Open Day, taking place on Thursday, 29 May 2025.
Secondary schools, high schools, and out-of-school art and youth clubs in Eswatini are encouraged to apply. Applications open today (27 February 2025) and will close on 27 March 2025.Selected Groups will be notified by the 4 April 2025, as confirmed by the Festival Director Jiggs Thorne.
Interested participants can find application forms on the MTN Bushfire website at www.bush-fire.com/schools-festival • http://www.bush-fire.com/schools-festival. Please note that only online submissions will be accepted.
The festival seeks applicants who exhibit discipline and a passion for the arts across various fields, including music, contemporary and traditional dance, drama, poetry, technology, and visual arts and craft. All applications should reflect the guiding theme: ‘Art as the Driver in the Pursuit of Sustainability.’ This theme underscores the vital role that art and creativity play in addressing significant global challenges, including environmental sustainability, poverty eradication, community resilience, and gender equality.
This year’s festival theme of “Unity, Creativity & Sustainability” encapsulates the festival’s mission of using the transformative power of the arts to inspire positive change. It aligns with the EU Youth Action Plan, which aims to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment for sustainable development, equality, and peace.
Since its establishment in 2010, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival has played a crucial role in the development of a national arts curriculum in public schools. The festival has successfully hosted over 10,280 learners, 695 teachers, and 76 facilitators, facilitating creative performances, workshops, and interactive outreach programs.
For more details, applicants are urged to read the requirements on the application form carefully. For any inquiries, please contact schools@bush-fire.com or reach out via WhatsApp to EU Bushfire Schools Assistant Mangisi Maphanga at 7650 5423.
This is an exciting opportunity for schools and youth organizations to showcase their talents and creativity in a vibrant festival setting. Don’t miss your chance to participate!
