Employment is generally difficult to find, even more so in the arts. A large capital investment is required to create and perform original works. There is further little guarantee of financial success. Expenses include the hiring of venues, hiring of personnel, sound, props and costumes etc. This excludes publicity and marketing.
Graduates further have to establish themselves professionally to ensure audience acceptance.
This takes a lot of time and personal confidence. Many talented students simply do not have the means to pursue a postgraduate career in the arts. Considering the amount of talent in South Africa this is unfortunate. It is evident that a large gap exists between the world of the student and the world of the professional artist. The UCT Arts Festival was initiated to create an accessible platform for students to perform and display their work.