If you are looking for a real chance to build work experience in the arts, the EPWP Arts and Culture Fieldworkers opportunity for 2026 is worth your attention now. Many young people struggle to get their first job because they have passion but not enough experience. This placement gives you a way to learn, serve your community, and earn a monthly stipend at the same time.
What this opportunity is
The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation is recruiting Arts and Culture Fieldworkers for an 11-month contract placement at Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre. This is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), a government programme that creates temporary jobs while helping people gain skills.
This opportunity is designed for unemployed youth and community members who want to work in arts, culture, and early childhood support. It is also useful if you want public sector experience in a community setting.
Quick overview
- Programme: EPWP Arts and Culture Fieldworkers Programme 2026
- Department: Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
- Location: Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre
- Contract duration: 11 months
- Monthly stipend: R2 500
- Closing date: 08 May 2026
- Application method: By hand only
- Submission point: Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre
Who can apply
You can apply if you have a Senior Certificate (Matric) or relevant arts and culture experience. You do not need a diploma for this opportunity.
The department is looking for people who have real interest or experience in their chosen stream. If you have done community work, helped in a church choir, joined a drama group, or supported an ECD centre, that experience can help you.
Available streams
You must choose one stream when you apply. Do not apply for more than one.
1. Performing and Visual Arts
This stream is for applicants who are interested in or have experience with:
- Theatre
- Drama
- Music
- Dance
- Poetry
- Visual art
- Sewing and craft
You may support community groups, help young people build skills, and assist with workshops and rehearsals. This stream is a good fit if you enjoy teaching, creating, or performing.
2. General Worker
General workers help with the daily running of the arts centre. Duties may include:
- Cleaning the facility
- Supporting maintenance work
- Preparing venues
- Helping with events
- Assisting with programme coordination
This stream is important because it helps keep the centre safe, clean, and ready for community use.
3. Early Childhood Developer
This stream supports learning for children aged 3 to 5 years old. You may help with:
- Early learning sessions
- Creative learning activities
- Arts-based child development support
- Preparing learning materials
This option is best for people interested in ECD, foundation phase education, or childcare support work.
What you gain
Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R2 500 for 11 months. While this is a temporary placement, it can still make a strong difference in your future.
Many applicants want work, but they also want proof that they can be trusted in a real job. This programme can help you build that proof.
You may gain:
- Work experience in a government-linked environment
- Practical arts or ECD skills
- A stronger CV
- References from supervisors
- Confidence from working with communities
- Possible pathways to future opportunities such as learnerships, ECD assistant posts, municipal work, arts facilitation, or NGO roles
Duties and responsibilities
Your daily work will depend on the stream you choose, but the focus is on community service and skills transfer.
Artistic skills transfer
If you are placed in the arts stream, you may help by:
- Sharing artistic knowledge
- Supporting local arts groups
- Mentoring young creatives
- Helping with rehearsals and workshops
Examples include teaching dance basics, supporting drama rehearsals, helping with craft sessions, or guiding poetry practice.
Facility support and beautification
You may also help keep the centre functional and welcoming by:
- Preparing spaces for workshops and performances
- Supporting cleaning activities
- Helping maintain a safe learning environment
- Setting up venues for events
Early childhood support activities
If you are placed in the ECD stream, your duties may include:
- Helping children learn through play
- Supporting creative activities
- Guiding arts-based learning sessions
- Preparing classroom materials
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by hand. There is no online application option mentioned in the advert.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Complete the new Z83 form.
- Prepare a one-page CV.
- Attach a certified copy of your ID.
- Add proof of experience if you have it.
- Submit your application by hand at Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre.
Late applications will not be accepted, so do not wait until the last day.
Enquiries
If you need more information, contact:
Ms Tumelo Senoge-Bollers
Contact number: 072 1591 710
Email: senoge-bollers.tg@sacr.fs.gov.za
Tips to improve your chances
Many applicants lose out because their CV is too long or unclear. Keep your CV to one page and make it easy to read.
Try these simple tips:
- Apply early
- Choose only one stream
- Make your CV match the stream you selected
- Show any community arts, volunteer, or ECD experience
- List choir, dance, drama, sewing, craft, or youth work if it is relevant
- Explain your role clearly, even if the work was informal
If you are applying for Performing and Visual Arts, name your discipline clearly. For example: Music, Dance, Poetry, Drama, Visual Art, or Craft and Sewing.
Government programmes often look for people who are serious about service, punctuality, and learning. Show that clearly in your application.
Why this matters
This opportunity may not be permanent, but it can still help you move forward. In South Africa, many job seekers have good talent but no formal entry point. EPWP placements help fill that gap.
If you are committed, careful with your documents, and ready to work in your community, this could be a useful start.
Final note
Do not miss the closing date of 08 May 2026. Prepare your documents early, submit your application by hand, and keep your details correct.
For official information, use the contact details provided in the advert and apply only through the stated submission method. This is a real opportunity to gain experience, serve your community, and grow your future step by step.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Always confirm details with the official contact information in the advert before applying.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY.
