The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has encouraged individual arts practitioners, registered arts organisations and community art centres to apply for funding for the 2026-2027 financial year.
“This call appeals to arts practitioners to present projects that can continue to educate, entertain, and enlighten audiences. Proposed projects must demonstrate impact and value for the communities in which they operate,” the NAC said ahead of next month’s deadline.
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.
Operating under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the NAC plays a crucial role in funding and facilitating artistic and cultural initiatives that contribute to the country’s creative economy and heritage preservation.
The NAC said 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 to submit 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.
The proposed projects must have the capability to address at least two of the six critical focus areas.
The focus areas are as follows:
• Social cohesion and nation 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.
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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.
• 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.
• Supporting vulnerable groups: Projects that provide employment opportunities for women, people living with disabilities and in rural areas will be highly considered.
• 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.
• Capacity building and arts entrepreneurship: The ability of the project to contribute to skills development and setting up of new businesses acumen.Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, 13 March 2026 at 11:59pm.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/.
Manual applications can be requested from info@nac.org.za. This service is reserved only for those who lack access to internet services.Late and incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions will be made.
Funding guidelines can be downloaded from www.nac.org.za .
For more information, contact info@nac.org.za or call 011 010 8886. -SAnews.gov.za
