Call for applications: PESP 4 arts funding in South Africa

The grant forms part of government efforts toward economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its fourth phase, the initiative aims to create jobs in the creative and cultural sector, with a focus on sustainability and impact. The open call applies to individuals and organisations involved in music, craft, dance, literature, multidiscipline, theatre, and visual arts.

Requirements

• Only one application will be supported from both a natural person (individual) and a juristic person (organisation/company).
• Projects should demonstrate the ability to be sustainable over a period of time.
• The invitation is open to practitioners who are active in the disciplines of music, craft, dance, literature, multidiscipline, theatre and visual arts. 
• Applicants are encouraged to apply for all types of projects such as creation, composition, workshops, showcases, exhibitions, scriptwriting, residencies, performances and other art-related activities. 
• Applications presenting content in South African indigenous art forms are encouraged to apply. Proposed projects must demonstrate impact and value for the communities in which they are implemented.

Eligibility

Individuals

• Individual applications are for a single applicant (an individual) who is undertaking a project.
• 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 may be implemented in South Africa, across the continent or abroad.
• Individuals are requested to propose projects that are aimed at stimulating the broad arts and culture sector.

Organisations/institutions

• Applications from formally registered South African arts and culture organisations/groups and institutions are acceptable.
• All lead applicants must be South African citizens and over 18 years of age.
• Projects may be implemented in South Africa, across the continent or abroad.
• Applicants need to consider that some countries may still be experiencing COVID-19 restrictions and thus travel may be affected.
• Registered arts organisations are requested to propose projects that are aimed at stimulating the broad arts and culture sector.
• A lead applicant working for a government department and/or entity will not be accepted.
• A lead applicant working under the Government Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and internships/leaderships will be eligible to apply.

Funding thresholds are as follows:

Major art or culture project (up to R1.5m)

Applications must propose at least 120 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.

Venues (up to R1m)

Applications must propose at least 100 job opportunities including the number of artists to be employed, capacity building, audience development focus and a bias on marginalised arts and vulnerable groups.

Other arts or culture project (below R1m)

Applications will be assessed on the basis of the artistic merit of the project at the discretion of panel members.

Note: Applications requesting more than the maximum allocation budget as indicated above will not be considered.

Application process

• Applications must be submitted on or before 31 March 2023.
• Applicants need to register and complete the online application form via the grants management system here.
• Manual applications can be requested via email from pesp@nac.org.za or by calling 011 010 8850/087 0000 683.
• Note: Late and incomplete applications will not be considered, and no exceptions will be made.
• Funding guidelines are available here.
• For more information about this call, contact pesp@nac.org.za or call 011 010 8850/087 0000 683.

View the original call here.