If you are passionate about theatre, music, dance, poetry, visual arts, sewing, crafts, or early childhood development, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Arts and Culture Fieldworkers opportunity for 2026 could be exactly the stepping stone you need.
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, offering unemployed youth and community members the chance to contribute meaningfully to arts development while earning a monthly stipend.
This opportunity is especially valuable for young creatives, community arts practitioners, and individuals with early childhood development interests who want to build experience in the public sector arts environment.
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
Positions Available Under:
- Performing and Visual Arts (Theatre / Drama / Music / Dance / Poetry / Visual Art / Sewing and Craft)
- General Worker
- Early Childhood Developer
Minimum Requirement:
- Senior Certificate (Matric) or relevant arts and culture experience
Application Method:
- Submit New Z83 form
- Attach one-page CV
- Submit by hand at Mbabana Cultural Centre
What Is the EPWP Arts and Culture Fieldworkers Programme?
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a national government initiative designed to provide temporary employment opportunities combined with skills development.
In the arts and culture sector specifically, EPWP placements help:
- activate community arts centres
- support early learning through creative expression
- transfer artistic knowledge between generations
- strengthen local creative economies
- improve access to cultural participation in rural and township areas
This means participants do not just work — they contribute to community transformation through arts and culture.
Available Placement Streams
Applicants must choose one reference stream when applying.
Performing and Visual Arts Stream
Suitable for applicants with interest or experience in:
- Theatre
- Drama
- Music
- Dance
- Poetry
- Visual Art
- Sewing and Craft
Participants will support community groups and help develop artistic skills among youth and local creatives.
This stream is ideal if you:
- perform or create art
- assist cultural groups
- facilitate workshops
- support youth arts clubs
- want experience in arts facilitation
General Worker Stream
General workers assist with:
- maintenance support
- cleaning cultural facilities
- supporting events
- preparing venues
- assisting programme coordination
This stream supports the operational functioning of arts centres.
Early Childhood Developer Stream
Early Childhood Developers help support learning programmes for children aged: 3 to 5 years old
Responsibilities may include:
- assisting early learning sessions
- introducing creative learning activities
- supporting child development through arts
- preparing classroom learning materials
This stream is ideal for applicants interested in:
- ECD careers
- foundation phase education pathways
- community childcare support roles
Monthly Stipend and Contract Duration
Successful applicants will receive: R2 500 per month
Contract duration: 11 months
While EPWP positions are temporary, they are extremely valuable for:
- building work experience
- strengthening CV credibility
- gaining references from government supervisors
- accessing future opportunities
Many participants later transition into:
- learnerships
- municipal contracts
- ECD assistant posts
- arts facilitation programmes
- NGO community roles
Minimum Requirements
To apply, you must have:
- A Senior Certificate (Matric)
OR
- Relevant arts and culture experience related to the selected stream
Applicants with community arts involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Relevant experience may include:
- participation in community theatre groups
- involvement in church choirs or dance teams
- sewing and craft production
- assisting ECD centres
- volunteering in youth programmes
- cultural event support
Formal qualifications are helpful but not always required where experience exists.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful applicants will assist with community arts development and centre-based programme support.
Key responsibilities include:
Artistic Skills Transfer
Participants will:
- transfer artistic knowledge
- support local arts groups
- mentor young creatives
- assist with community rehearsals and workshops
Examples include:
- teaching dance basics
- supporting drama rehearsals
- guiding craft production sessions
- facilitating poetry practice sessions
Facility Support and Beautification
Participants help maintain arts centre spaces by:
- assisting with venue preparation
- supporting cleaning activities
- helping maintain safe learning environments
- preparing spaces for workshops and performances
These activities ensure arts centres remain accessible and functional community hubs.
Early Childhood Support Activities
Where placed in ECD roles, participants assist with:
- supporting learning through play
- facilitating creative activities
- guiding arts-based learning sessions
- helping prepare classroom materials
This contributes directly to early childhood development outcomes.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted by hand.
Submit the following:
- Completed New Z83 form
- One-page CV
Submission location: Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre
Enquiries:
Ms Tumelo Senoge-Bollers
Contact number: 072 1591 710
Email: senoge-bollers.tg@sacr.fs.gov.za
Closing date: 08 May 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Documents Required Before Applying
Prepare the following:
- Certified copy of ID
- Completed Z83 form
- One-page CV
- Proof of experience (if available)
Even informal experience can strengthen your application.
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Apply as early as possible before the closing date.
Make sure your one-page CV clearly highlights:
- community involvement
- arts participation
- volunteer work
- youth leadership roles
- ECD exposure (if applicable)
If applying under Performing and Visual Arts, specify your discipline clearly.
Example:
Music
Dance
Poetry
Drama
Visual Art
Craft or Sewing
Government programmes prefer applicants who demonstrate commitment to community service and skills transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a permanent job?
No. It is an 11-month EPWP contract placement.
However, it provides valuable experience for future opportunities.
- Do I need a diploma in arts?
No. Matric or relevant arts experience is sufficient.
- Can I apply if I only have community arts experience?
Yes. Community participation counts as relevant experience.
- Can I apply for more than one stream?
No. Choose one reference stream only.
- Where do I submit my application?
Submit by hand at:
Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre
- Is there an online application option?
No. Applications must be submitted physically.
CLOSING DATE: 08 MAY 2026
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Always confirm application details using official contact information provided in the advert.
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