National Arts And Culture Awards

The National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) are widely regarded as South Africa’s premier honours celebrating excellence within the country’s diverse creative industries. Established to recognise the individuals, groups, and institutions shaping the nation’s artistic landscape, the awards serve as a national platform for acknowledging exceptional achievements in performance, visual arts, literature, design, film, and cultural heritage. Hosted annually by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), NACA reflects the department’s commitment to nurturing and elevating South Africa’s creative economy while honouring the artists and cultural custodians who drive its growth.

NACA’s core purpose extends beyond celebration—it seeks to promote a culture of artistic innovation, creativity, and excellence. By spotlighting both emerging and established talent, the awards help to affirm the role of arts and culture in national identity, community cohesion, and economic development. Each category is carefully curated to showcase the depth and breadth of South Africa’s creative output, allowing the awards to serve as both a mirror of current artistic achievements and a compass for future cultural direction.

The awards aim to position themselves as the most prestigious recognition in the sector, establishing a benchmark for artistic merit and inspiring future generations of creators. They highlight the importance of preserving heritage while supporting new voices that push creative boundaries and redefine contemporary expression. Through storytelling, performance, visual creation, design innovation, and cultural preservation, NACA honours those who contribute meaningfully to the nation’s cultural legacy.

As the awards evolve, NACA remains committed to empowering the creative community, championing cultural excellence, and ensuring that South Africa’s artistic contributions are recognised both locally and globally.