Applications open for NAC funding for the arts

© Artem Furman – 123RF.com

The NAC’s broad funding model makes provision for individuals and organisations working in the fields of visual art, music, literature, dance, craft, theatre and multidiscipline.

Funding will be granted for work related to the following five NAC programmes: social cohesion and nation building; innovation, design and creation; arts platforms/showcases/exhibitions/festivals; strategic initiatives that involve working with partners to leverage available funding; and capacity building, which offers grants and scholarships to nurture talent and other professionals in the sector.

This funding will be granted for a wide range of projects, from animation and multimedia design, community outreach, literary magazines, and musical theatre, to opera, publishing courses and puppetry. Project funding will be granted for budgetary items such as, among others, accommodation, costumes, exhibitions and various fees.

Post-graduate students wishing to pursue arts studies abroad in the fields of Craft, Dance, Literature, Multi-discipline, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts are also invited to apply. Students willing to access NAC funding should be prepared to return to and work in South Africa to support the development of the arts in the country.

Julie Diphofa, the NAC’s arts development manager, says: “Part of the NAC’s core mandate is supporting the ACH sector through grant funding. Over the past few years, the NAC has prided itself on fulfilling that part of its mandate by disbursing larger percentages than before of its allocations from government to deserving individuals and organisations.

“Although we still face challenges when it comes to disbursing even more grants and reducing year-end surpluses, I believe our administrative systems are constantly improving to achieve greater reach for disbursements.”

All applications for funding from the NAC are subject to compliance with administrative requirements and will only be considered if they are made within the stipulated deadlines, which are published in major national newspapers and on the NAC’s website.

The call to funding is currently open and will closed on 22 June 2018.

For a full list of the types of projects that qualify for funding, and for more information on applying for funding from the NAC, visit www.nac.org.za.