Open call: National Arts Council of South Africa 2024-25 project funding

Individuals and registered arts organisations are requested to propose projects with a focus on South African indigenous art forms, capacity building and training in intellectual property in all the arts disciplines supported by the NAC, namely music, craft, dance, literature, multidiscipline, theatre and visual arts. 

The call appeals to arts practitioners to present projects that can continue to educate, entertain and enlighten audiences. Proposed projects must demonstrate impact and value for the communities in which they operate. The maximum amount applied for should not be more than R350 000 (about $18 000). The allocation will be in line with the redress and transformation imperatives of the NAC.

The following are the funding guidelines applicants need to adhere to when making an application. 

Individuals 

• Individual applications are for a single applicant who is undertaking a project. 
• This is meant to benefit individual arts practitioners, for example, choreographers, composers, etc.  
• In cases where several people are working collaboratively on a project, one member of the group should take the lead in applying.  
• All applicants must be South African citizens and over 18 years of age.  
• Projects can be implemented in South Africa, across the continent or abroad.  
• Applications from individuals working for government departments and entities will not be accepted. 
• Please note that Individuals under the government Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Community Work Programme (CWP) and internships or learnerships are eligible to apply.

Organisations/institutions

• Applications from formally registered organisations, groups and institutions are acceptable.  
• All applicants must be South African citizens and over 18 years of age.  
• Projects can be implemented in SA, across the continent or abroad.  
• Applications from organisations or institutions led or owned by individuals working for government departments and entities will not be accepted. 
• Please note that Individuals under the government Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Community Work Program (CWP) and internships or learnerships are eligible to apply.

Compliance documents The following compliance documents will be required for an application to be considered before being forwarded to the adjudication panel:

Individuals

• A certified copy of the South African ID of the applicant (not older than 12 months).  
• Confirmation of bank details (NB: bank statement/bank letter reflecting name of applicant).  
• Full curriculum vitae of the applicant.  
• Examples of your previous work or involvement in the arts in the form of photographs, brochures or other published/printed materials.  
• Two reference letters (signed and dated) from arts organisations, artists’ community leaders, sector bodies, and/or public bodies (including their full address and contact details) validating your work or involvement in the sector (not older than 18 months). 
•  Please note: Electronically and digitally letters are acceptable. It is compulsory for applicants proposing capacity building projects to submit a training manual.

Organisations/Institutions

• Two certified copies of South African ID (not older than 12 months) of two office bearers of the organisation.  
• Confirmation of bank details (NB: bank statement/bank letter must have the name of organisation).  
• Copy of the organisation’s registration certificate.  
• Two full curriculum vitae of the lead applicant and one senior office bearer (i.e. one other manager occupying a management position in the organisation. 
• Curriculum vitae must detail their artistic profile and credentials.
• Examples of your organisation’s previous work or involvement in the arts in the form of videos, photographs, brochures or other published/printed materials. 
• Two reference letters (signed and dated) from arts organisations, artists’ community leaders, sector bodies, and/or public bodies (including their full address and contact details) validating your work or involvement in the sector (not older than 18 months). 
• Note: Electronically and digital letters are acceptable. 
• It is compulsory for applicants proposing capacity building projects to submit a training manual.

General

• Only one project per beneficiary can be funded.  
• Only one application will be supported from both a natural person (individual) or a juristic person (organisation/company). 
• The lead applicant of an organisation application cannot apply as an individual applicant. Applications must be made online through the Grants Management System here.
• Manual applications will also be made available via email at info@nac.org.za, NAC offices at the reception or via call requests on 011 010 8886 for applicants who lack resources to apply through GMS. 
• These applicants will be required to sign a register when delivering manual applications. 
• Late submissions post the deadline date and time will not be accepted.  
• The requirement for audited financial statements and tax clearance certificates at the time of applying has been removed from the compliance requirement list.  
• The requirement for a valid tax clearance certificate remains a requirement for approved beneficiaries before entering into a contract with the NAC. 
• Only successful beneficiaries will be required to submit a tax clearance certificate after the issuance of the grant award letter.  
• Applicants can only be funded once per financial year as per NAC Regulations (1999).

How to apply:

• Applications must be submitted on or before 8 March 2024 at 11.59pm CAT.
• Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link.
• Manual applications can be requested from info@nac.org.za. This service is reserved only for those who lack access to internet services.
• Note: Late and incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions will be made. 

View the original call here.