Open call: Arts and Culture Trust expression of interest

ACT seeks to strengthen community-based arts development across South Africa by partnering with community arts centres per province to expand access to quality arts education, skills development and business mentorship and investment for artists and young audiences.

Purpose of the EOI

The EOI aims to shortlist strong, credible and active community arts centres that can serve as provincial hubs for arts development. Selected centres will be considered for collaboration in ACT programmes including training, community engagement, talent development, and national showcase opportunities.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered, applying community arts centres must demonstrate the following:

Infrastructure & operational capacity:

• A functioning physical facility (rehearsal rooms, studios, performance space or similar)
• Reliable internet connectivity and basic ICT resources
• Safe and accessible environment for beneficiaries and staff

Governance & compliance:

• Legally registered entity (NPO, NPC, Trust or similar) with valid compliance documents
• Strong organisational governance structure (Board/Management Committee)
• Sound financial management systems with at least one recent financial statement or report

Human resources & delivery capacity:

• A minimum of two full-time staff members, including a centre manager/administrator
• Qualified or experienced facilitators/instructors in the arts disciplines offered
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver annual programme activities

Programme strength & sector contribution:

• Active and consistent annual programming in arts training, community outreach, youth development and/or cultural activities.
• Strong track record with evidence of impact (photos, evaluation reports, testimonials)
• Demonstrated ability to host, coordinate, and support multi-month structured training programmes.

Reporting, monitoring & evaluation:

• Established systems for documenting and reporting programme implementation
• Ability to track participant data, attendance, progress, and outcomes
• Commitment to regular reporting in line with ACT’s requirements

Partnerships & community reach:

• Strong relationships with local schools, artists, cultural stakeholders, and local or provincial stakeholders
• Ability to engage youth and broader communities
• Experience in inclusion, diversity, and accessibility practices

Requirements:

Letter of Motivation (max. 3 pages) including:

• Vision and mission of the centre
• Summary of programmes and beneficiaries
• Potential alignment with ACT programmes or ethos
• Geographic reach and audience served

Organisational portfolio including:

• Evidence of work (photos, videos, links, programmes, media coverage)
• Organisational structure (staffing, key roles, bios)
• Annual calendar or schedule of activities
• NPO or NPC certificate
• Monitoring & Evaluation framework or examples of reporting previously done
• At least two (2) references from partners, funders, or beneficiaries

Submission process & deadline

Interested Community Arts Centres must submit their complete EOIs via the ACT online application form here, with all required documents submitted no later than 30 January 2026.

Evaluation & next steps

EOIs will be evaluated based on the criteria above. Shortlisted centres will undergo a site assessment and follow-up interview. Final selection will be confirmed through a formal partnership agreement.

Email [email protected] for more information about this call.

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