Open call: National Arts and Culture Awards in SA

The awards afford an opportunity for creatives and South Africans to honour the best amongst the creatives, the wisdom, voice, and experience of the creative community; its indomitable positive influence on the country’s nation building project and ability to inspire the world.

“These awards play a vital role in the creative industry by recognizing excellence, boosting morale, inspiring, and creating a vibrant nation, and promoting a culture of innovation,” Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie said. “They also enhance the reputation of winners and organizations, attracting new opportunities and collaborations. Ultimately, these awards foster a sense of community and inspiration within the creative field whilst also benchmarking ourselves against the best.”

The rules and guidelines for the NACAs are available here. Interested artists and the public should submit their entries here before 21 May, with announcement of nominees scheduled for 28 May. A nominees dinner will held on 5 June before NACAs ceremony on 6 June.

Below are the categories:

Heritage Site

• Outstanding Museum Award
• Outstanding Archaeological & Historical Site Award
• Outstanding Cultural Landscape Award

Visual Arts & Craft

• Outstanding Visual Artist Award
• Outstanding Curator Award
• Outstanding Crafter Award

Literary Works

• Outstanding Children Fiction Book Award
• Outstanding Book, Fiction Award
• Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction Award
• Outstanding Publisher Award

Audio-Visual & Interactive Media

• Outstanding Film Fiction Award
• Outstanding Documentary Film or TV Series Award
• Outstanding TV Drama Award
• Outstanding Actor TV and Film Award
• Outstanding Animation Award
• Outstanding Gaming Award

Design & Creative Services

• Outstanding Fashion and Textile Designer Award
• Outstanding Graphic & Multimedia Designer Award
• Outstanding Product Award
• Outstanding Architecture and Interior Designer Award

Performing Arts Category

• Outstanding Theatre Production Award
• Outstanding Dance Production Award
• Outstanding Musician Award
• Outstanding Actor in Theatre Award
• Outstanding Performance Award (Poet, Comedian)

Ministry (Discretionary Category) (x3 Awards)

• These awards are decided, announced and presented by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Bestowed to someone with 20 years or more of documented achievement and outstanding contribution over the individual’s whole career to the South African creative industry and internationally.

Internationally Recognised Artist or Group Award

• This award will be presented to an artist or group that has received international recognition, exhibited, and performed on international platforms for five years and more.

Artist with Disability Award

• This award is awarded to a person with a disability who has achieved excellence in their craft within the creative and cultural industries.