Open call: National Arts Council support funding programme in SA

The funding is open to organisations operating within the disciplines of music, craft, dance, visual arts, literature, theatre and multi-disciplinary arts. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed programmes or projects align with the NAC’s critical focus areas and contribute meaningfully to the arts sector and local communities.

Funding focus areas

Applications will be assessed in line with the following six NAC priority areas:

• Social cohesion and nation building
• Marginalised and indigenous arts
• Addressing social ills
• Supporting vulnerable groups
• New works and digital arts
• Capacity building and entrepreneurship

Proposed programmes should show clear community impact. Priority will be given to initiatives that support the creation of new works, arts development and promotion, job creation, skills development, and access to the arts. Projects that promote collaboration, social cohesion and nation building, particularly those rooted in community engagement, will be viewed favourably. The NAC also encourages applications from organisations that actively support the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities, especially in historically disadvantaged areas.

Eligibility and organisational capacity

Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record and the ability to implement arts programmes within set timelines. Organisations are also expected to show sound governance practices and the capacity to manage public funding responsibly and transparently.

Funding phases and limits

Funding will be allocated according to the organisation’s years of operation:

• Foundation Phase (1 to 5 years): up to R500 000 per annum
• Intermediate Phase (5 years or more): up to R750 000 per annum
• Established Phase (more than 10 years): up to R1 000 000 per annum

Organisations that received NAC 2025 Project Funding are not eligible to apply. Successful recipients of Arts Organisation Support Funding will also not be eligible for NAC Project Funding or Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) funding during the three-year support period.

Application process

Applicants must:

• Complete the relevant application form
• Submit a three-year business plan
• Comply fully with NAC funding criteria and guidelines

Application forms and guidelines are available from NAC offices, the NAC website, or via email on request. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Funding decisions remain at the discretion of the NAC, which reserves the right to allocate funds in line with its priorities. Applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 March 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online here before 23 January. Funding guidelines can be downloaded here.

For further information or to request a manual application form, applicants may contact the NAC at info@nac.org.za.