Arts
Odeion School of Music launches costume library, asks public to donate clothes─── 09:00 Thu, 20 Nov 2025
The Odeion School of Music (OSM) has established a costume library – a collection of formal and performance-appropriate clothing items that students can borrow when needed as they frequently participate in performances, competitions, and events.
OSM students at the University of the Free State (UFS) frequently participate in performances, competitions, and events. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a privileged position to acquire the necessary performance attire.
To support them, the OSM has established a costume library. Dr Frelét de Villiers, academic head/senior lecturer at the OSM, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to ask the public for donations of previously loved evening wear for ladies and gents.
Recognising the dedication students display in concerts, auditions, functions, and competitions, the costume library’s concept was born out of a desire to provide accessible, high-quality formal wear.
The initiative seeks to create a diverse collection of pre-loved formal clothing suitable for every occasion and accommodating all body types.
The library will allow students to borrow attire for performances, competitions, or auditions, which they can then return the following day.
Clothing donations
The OSM is now reaching out to the broader community for donations of suitable clothing items. The need is extensive, including formal wear for both male and female students, shoes, and even individual pieces such as shirts or jackets.
“It can be of any colour, shape or form and must not necessarily only be evening wear – anything suitable for appearing on stage,” says De Villiers.
De Villiers is the lecturer in charge of managing the costume library. She emphasises the impact of these donations. “Please be part of brightening up someone’s day, where they can forget their hardships for a moment while beaming on stage and enriching others’ lives with their performances."
How to donate
Members of the community wishing to contribute to this valuable cause and help enhance the students’ stage presence can contact De Villiers directly.
WhatsApp: 071 643 4671
Email: devilliersamf@ufs.ac.za
The OSM hopes the community will support this effort to give their talented students the confidence to shine outwardly as brightly as they do inwardly.
