Call for applications: Funding for Free State artists in SA

The funding is intended for artists and athletes who live in the Free State province and should be based on the set criteria and framework that has been adopted.

Interested applicants can download application forms here. The submission deadline is 12 May.

“I call upon our artists and athletes to work closely with the department to ensure a smooth process in the disbursement of the relief funds to deserving and relevant individuals and structures based on a set framework and criteria,” MEC Limakatso Mahasa said. “This framework has been duly consulted around with the representative bodies for both athletes and artists to ensure the realisation of the principles of equity, fairness, openness and transparency.”

The relief fund for the cultural sector will be channelled through the Free State Arts and Culture Council (FSACC) as follows:

• Relief for artists whose income was affected as a result of the cancellation of their contracts or impending contracts during the lockdown period.
• A call for proposals from individual artists or arts and culture groups for the virtual/online staging of cultural activities.

In adjudicating the applications, FSACC will focus on the following genres/disciplines:

• Music.
• Performing arts.
• Theatre (drama and comedy).
• Poetry.
• Dance and Choreography.
• Festivals.
• Rituals.
• Events.
• Days of commemoration.
• Orchestras.
• Storytelling.
• Fine arts.
• Photography.
• Crafts (design and production).
• Creative writing.
• Film (including pre-production and editing).
• TV and radio (including internet- and live streaming).
• Internet podcasting.
• Fashion (design and production).
• Arts and culture technical support services (e.g. lighting, sound, stage).
• Arts in education and training.
• Arts in school programmes.
• Graphic design.
• Stand-up comedy.
• Arts recreation programmes.
• Organisational funding.
• Multi-disciplines.
• Workshops.
• Visual arts (other).
• Media (electronic and print).
• Ceramics (design and production).
• Video (including pre-production and editing).

In further adjudicating the applications, FSACC will also focus on the following areas of importance for relief funding:

• Free State contracts of Free State artists, arts and culture organisers/agents, arts and culture associations/organisations practising/working within the borders of the Free State, for their livelihood, whose contracts were cancelled or who lost income due to the COVID-19 lockdown between the dates of 13 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.
• Free State opportunities for Free State artists, arts and culture organisers/agents and related arts and culture support personnel practising/working within the borders of the Free State, for their livelihood, who are suffering financially due to the national COVID-19 lockdown, the subsequent cancellation of events and who submit with viable applications/proposals to continue their trade within the period 13 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.
• FSACC will give preference to Free State applications that advance the active reliant messaging regarding the spread of COVID-19, the distribution of active reliable information via performances/exhibitions relating to the clampdown of the Coronavirus in the 2020-21 financial year.

How to apply

Written nominations must be sent to the:

Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Attention: Mr Barry Swanepoel
Director: Arts and Culture
Corner of First Avenue and Barnes Street
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

or

Private Bag X20606
Bloemfontein
9300

In order to be considered for funding, applications should reach the above-mentioned address as soon as possible, but by no later than 12 May 2020. FSACC reserves the right not to make grants or decide on the exact amount to be allocated.

Email covid@sacr.fs.gov.za for more information about this call.

View the original call here.