Call for applications: National Arts Council of SA 2021 bursaries

NAC’s bursary programme aims to provide support to aspiring arts practitioners in the acquisition of relevant arts qualifications, and arts-related knowledge and skills.

The bursary is intended for local postgraduate arts students as well as registered education and training institutions that are involved in providing tuition in the fields of music, dance, crafts, literature, multidisciplinary arts, theatre, visual arts, cultural policy, and arts and culture management.

The invitation also extends to students applying for a bachelor of technology degree in the arts. Applications for fashion design must incorporate a cultural element as part of the studies. Particular attention will be paid to postgraduate qualifications that address the rare skills required in the arts sector.

Interested applicants can register and complete an online application here.

The application deadline is 30 September. Successful applicants will be announced on 13 December.

The invitation extends to:

• Individual postgraduate studies (both part-time and full-time studies) for the 2021 academic year. Note that postgraduate students whose degree requires two to three years of study (such as MA and PhD) and who were granted a NAC bursary during 2018 and 2019 should not reapply for funding. The grant will be renewed for the duration of their studies, subject to the successful completion of each year of study with a minimum overall pass rate of 65%. Applicants are, however, required to submit a letter of acceptance for their studies from the tertiary institution in question, as well as their estimated costs for the 2021 academic year and progress reports.
• Block institutional bursaries for undergraduate students who will be studying in South Africa during 2021. Institutions that apply for funding are required to support undergraduate students for the duration of their undergraduate studies, subject to their successful completion of each year of study. Institutions should be prepared to enter into a service-level agreement with the NAC in order to fulfil this requirement.

“The NAC strategy prioritises capacity building as an essential element for developing the arts, in pursuit of excellence,” the council said. “As part of its support for training and education, the NAC offers grants for bursaries and residency programmes to help grow the talent of students, arts practitioners, arts technicians, arts administrators and other industry professionals. This is designed to help ensure that South Africa retains a strong pool of talented artists and leaders.”

View the original call here.