The partnership between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Vrystaat Arts Festival extends far beyond hosting one of South Africa's leading arts festivals. It serves as an extension of the university's learning environment, creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop professional skills, gain practical experience, and build careers within the creative and cultural industries.

Each year, the festival transforms the campus into a living classroom where students apply their academic knowledge in a real-world professional environment. Whether working behind the scenes, supporting festival operations, or performing before live audiences, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for the workplace while contributing to one of South Africa's premier cultural events.

“Investing in student opportunities within the arts is investing in future leaders, innovators, creators, and changemakers. The arts challenge us to imagine new possibilities. They cultivate a richer educational experience that prepares our students for an increasingly complex and interconnected world to create responsible societal futures,” remarked Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies.

UFS student employment, experiential learning, and creative development

During the 2026 festival, more than 130 UFS students will be employed across a wide range of operational roles. These paid opportunities expose students to every aspect of planning and delivering a large-scale cultural event while developing professional skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

More than 60 UFS students will also participate across theatre, music, dance, interdisciplinary performance, visual arts, and public engagement initiatives. By collaborating with established artists, producers, technicians, and audiences, students gain invaluable industry exposure while expanding their professional networks.

The festival further strengthens student development through initiatives supported by the university's International Institute of the Arts. In addition, UFS student interns are supporting the institute across festival programming, artist liaison, production, administration, research, and public engagement, providing valuable professional experience within a leading arts institution. Programmes such as the Free State Jazz Series, Beats of the Uhadi Workshop and Public Performance, We Come From Our Stories – Platfontein Print Portfolio III, Talk of the Village, and FEED/FLESH/BUFFERING demonstrate how artistic practice, research, innovation, and community engagement intersect to create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper believes students are central to the university's partnership with the festival.

"Our students and staff are visible throughout the programme – as contributors, performers, collaborators, and members of a broader university community who help animate the festival from within."

The university's participation reflects a broader commitment to experiential learning, recognising that graduate success is strengthened when academic knowledge is complemented by practical experience, industry partnerships, and opportunities to engage with professional communities.

Prof Vasu Reddy echoes these views, observing, “When students engage with artists, producers, technicians, and communities, they gain far more than technical skills. They develop confidence, adaptability, and professional identity. The creative economy is an important driver of opportunity. Through the Vrystaat Arts Festival, our students experience first-hand how culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation intersect.”