Call for applications: 2023 National Arts Festival Fringe in SA

The festival, which is in its 49th edition, is open to applicants whose work ranges from theatre and public art performances to music, dance, film, comedy, illusion, poetry, visual art and more.  Fringe children’s theatre is also a drawcard for families visiting the festival.

The Festival programme is multi-lingual so works in any language can be submitted.

The Fringe programme also offers opportunities for artists across the country, and the world, to present their work to other artists, local and international producers and audiences. Shows on the Fringe stand a chance of receiving a Standard Bank Ovation Award which recognises works that are critically engaging and appealing to audiences. Many shows that win Standard Bank Ovation Awards go on to travel the South African and international theatre and festival circuits.

The National Arts Festival Fringe plays a vital role in the arts ecosystem, creating a platform for emerging artists to present multi-disciplinary work. It also provides opportunities for established artists to experiment, launch new work and collaborate with other artists.

Artists who bring work to the festival do so at their own financial risk, but earn income from ticket sales (85% of ticket sales go to the production). 

“Artists wishing to sign up for this year’s Fringe should read the National Arts Festival Fringe guide which contains comprehensive details about participating in the Festival,” Fringe manager Zikhona Monaheng said. “There is a registration fee of R1 000 which will be required once the application is approved. Applications are approved on the basis of availability and suitability of venues.”

Despite the National Arts Festival’s return to a live format, online or digital works are also welcome on the Fringe. The fee to participate on the Fringe's online platform is R200 and ticket sales are managed through the NAF’s secure digital ticketing gate.

How to apply

Interested applicants, whose work includes music, theatre, cabaret, dance and film, should apply here, while applicants who intend to apply for visual art exhibitions such as contemporary music, productions and film, should apply here. The submission deadline for both applications is 13 January.

The festival is also currently calling for works for the curated programme. These submissions are considered by the festival’s artistic committee, led by NAF’s artistic director, Rucera Seethal, and works are then selected that will be programmed by the festival. Artists may propose a work for the curated programme and also apply to be on the Fringe. Applicants can apply here before 22 November 2022.

View the original call here.