Funding opportunity for artists and organisations

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is inviting arts and culture practitioners and registered organisations to apply for the new Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 5). 

The application period is currently open and will close on 21 June 2024.

“This is a call for individual art practitioners and registered arts organisations, community arts centres and venues active in the disciplines of craft, dance, literature, multidiscipline, music, musical theatre, and visual arts to apply for funding for the 2024/25 financial year,” said the NAC in a statement. 

The PESP 5 is part of government’s intervention to reactivate the arts and culture sector to economic recovery and reconstruction post the COVID-19 pandemic devastation. 

PESP 5 aims to provide an economic stimulus to support sector initiatives that create jobs in the creative and cultural sectors.

As part of the programme’s requirements, individuals and registered organisations and institutions in the creative sector are requested to propose projects that create employment opportunities in the sector.

The NAC said only one application will be supported from an organisation or a company. Meaning applicants can only apply once. 

“Projects should demonstrate the ability to be sustainable over a period of time.  Applicants are encouraged to apply for all types of arts or culture projects such as creation, composition, workshops, showcases, exhibitions, script writing, residencies, performances, and other art-related activities,” the NAC said. 

Furthermore, the NAC said applications presenting content and offering training in South African indigenous art forms and intellectual property are encouraged to apply. Proposed projects must demonstrate impact and value for the communities in which they are implemented.

“Since this year marks 30 years of democracy in South Africa, applicants are also encouraged to propose projects to celebrate this milestone,”  the Council said. 

The funding thresholds are: 

Major art or culture projects: Applications must propose at least 80 job opportunities including the number of artists to be employed,  national footprint, capacity building, audience development, focus on youth participation and inclusion of vulnerable groups. Successful applicants will receive funding of up to R800 000. 

Venues: Applications must propose at least 50 job opportunities including the number of artists to be employed, capacity building, audience development focus and a bias on marginalised artists and vulnerable groups. Successful applicants will receive funding up to R500 000. 

Other arts or culture projects: Applications will be assessed based on the artistic merit of the project at the discretion of panel members, and should focus on youth and vulnerable groups as beneficiaries. Successful applicants will receive funding up to R300 000. ¥

To apply, you need to register and complete the online application form: https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/ 

Manual applications can be requested from pesp@nac.org.za or by calling 011 010 8850/011 010 8886. 

This service is reserved only for those who lack access to internet services.

Funding guidelines and more information can be found on www.nac.org.za 

President congratulates Springbok Women team

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Springbok Women national rugby team on winning the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and advancing to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

“Well done to our Springbok Women for adding another trophy to our national trophy cabinet,” the President said recently.

The Springbok Women recently beat Madagascar 46-17 at home in Antananarivo to retain their African championship.

This victory qualifies Africa’s top team for next year’s Rugby World Cup and the WXV 2 tournament, which South Africa will host in September 2024.