NAC National Arts Festival Fringe Programme 2025 for South Africans

NAC National Arts Festival Fringe Programme 2025 for South Africans -The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is pleased to announce the NAC Annual Project Funding Call for applications for the 2025-2026 Financial Year.

We hereby invite individual arts practitioners and registered arts organisations registered on the National Arts Festival Fringe Programme to apply for funding.

Only one application will be supported whether submitted by an individual or an organisation/company, be it a natural person or a juristic person.

The invitation is open to active art practitioners in the disciplines of craft, dance, literature, music, theatre and musical theatre, visual arts and multidiscipline tosubmit their applications for project funding. Applications presenting content in South African indigenous art forms, as well as capacity-building initiatives in intellectual property
are encouraged to apply.

In each of the seven (7) arts disciplines mentioned above, the proposed projects must have the capability to address at least two (2) of the six (6) critical focus areas below:

1. Social Cohesion And National Building
This is the extent to which the project brings communities together as well as allows for the inclusion of previously excluded parts of the society while at the same time creating national unity.

2. Marginalised And Indigenous Arts
Projects to be considered must focus on uplifting rural communities as they have a wealth of indigenous and rare artistic expressions that remain in the shadow of mainstream arts. Projects that seek to unearth and profile these hidden art forms by exposing the arts and the practitioners in marginalised areas to new audiences and markets will be highly considered.

3. Addressing Social Ills

Projects that provide a platform for artistic expression to the voiceless as well as help with alleviating social ills such as xenophobia, gender-based violence and other violent crimes, drug abuse and gangsterism will be highly considered.

4. Supporting Vulnerable Groups
Projects that provide employment opportunities for women, people living with disabilities and in rural areas will be highly considered.

5. New Works And Digital Arts
Projects that are innovative and introduce new arts through digital artistic presentations, as well as other platforms, will be highly considered.

6. Capacity Building And Arts Entrepreneurship
The ability of the project to contribute to skills development and setting up of new businesses acumen.

OPENING  DATE       CLOSING DATE       OUTCOMES DATE
23 May 2025               30 May 2025 at 23h59      16 June 2024

This call appeals to arts practitioners to present projects that can continue to educate, entertain, and enlighten audiences.
The maximum amount applied for should not be more than R350 000. The allocation will be in line with the redress and transformation imperatives of the NAC.

Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, 30 May at 23h59.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following
link: Manual applications can be requested from [email protected]. This service is reserved only for those who lack access to internet services.

Please note that late and incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions will be made. Funding guidelines can be downloaded HERE.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 011 010 8886.
The NAC reserves the right to allocate funds according to its priorities. No applicant is automatically entitled to funding. All funding is at the discretion of the NAC.

Download NAC National Arts Festival Fringe Programme 2025 for South Africans Advert pdf