SA: National Arts Council delays project funding for artists

The announcement follows a call out for funding made by NAC for artists and organisations active in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, craft, literature and multi-discipline.

NAC was expected to announce the successful applicants in September but has postponed the announcement to next month.

“The NAC apologises profusely for the repeated delays in releasing of the project funding outcomes as advised previously for the second week of September 2019,” NAC said. “The NAC commits to releasing these outcomes no later than the end of October 2019.

“The NAC understands that the delay in the release of these outcomes bears an immense consequence on the livelihood of artists, as well as the implementation of the artistic projects artists strive to implement as subsistence for their livelihood.

NAC said the high-level of corruption facing the country and the dire need to verify all information received in the application process, found it important to effectively ensure “accurate due diligence for project information submitted and efficient assessment of each application, address transformation in core targeted groups of women, youth and people living with disabilities.

The council went on to say that it will verify the authenticity of lists for people living with disabilities who have applied and address geographical imbalances nationally.

NAC added that it will, “prioritise new applicants to be the first beneficiaries, upgrade our current online application process to be seamless and equip applicants with impactful support for their projects and programmes.”