Open call: National Arts Festival artistic director in SA

Published on 14 October 2026, the vacancy calls for an experienced arts professional with strong industry networks, curatorial expertise and the ability to develop the festival’s national, continental and international reach.

The successful candidate will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and form part of the festival’s executive leadership. The role will involve overseeing programme quality, commissioning new work, building relationships with artists, managing the Fringe and Young Artists programmes, and developing international artistic exchanges.

According to the vacancy notice, NAF aims to strengthen its position as a leading contemporary African arts festival, with an emphasis on artistic quality, relevance, discovery and international reach.

Key responsibilities

• Set the artistic vision: Develop a distinctive curatorial strategy and programme work across theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual art, literature, film, digital arts and interdisciplinary practice.
• Support new work: Lead a commissioning programme for new productions and projects, providing development funding, rehearsal support and mentorship, particularly for emerging artists.
• Strengthen the Fringe: Position the Fringe as a platform for experimental work, emerging companies and young artists.
• Expand African and international links: Build connections between South African artists and practitioners from across Africa, while developing exchange and co-commissioning agreements with festivals internationally.
• Promote artist development: Work with the CEO to advance an Artist Development Fund and career-support opportunities, including a proposed New Voices initiative for emerging artists and young people.
• Develop audiences: Attract younger audiences while retaining existing festival patrons.
• Build year-round programming: Work with the CEO and Makhanda stakeholders, including Rhodes University, to develop creative activities beyond the annual festival.
• Strengthen the festival’s legacy: Contribute to digital content and the use of NAF’s 52-year archive.
• Support touring opportunities: Create pathways for successful productions to reach audiences nationally and internationally.

The artistic director will also chair an artistic committee comprising practising artists, curators and sector experts. The committee will advise on programme selection, recognition and artistic standards. The programme and production team will report to the artistic director, while the Board will provide strategic oversight through the CEO and its Artistic Programming subcommittee.

Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Work independently and take initiative without day-to-day supervision.
• Manage substantial budgets and remain accountable for expenditure.
• Work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and consult widely with stakeholders.
• Find creative solutions within financial constraints.
• Identify partnership opportunities and contribute to fundraising activities.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form. The festival has stated that applications sent by email or through any other channel will not be considered.

View the terms of reference: Read the full role requirements here.

View the original call here.