Open call: National Arts Festival 2025 curated programme in SA

Applications will be reviewed by the festival’s artistic committee and successful works will be invited to present their works in Makhanda between 26 June and 6 July 2025.

Applicants should submit information about either:

• Complete works (Section A).
• Works currently in development (Section B).
• New ideas (Section C).

Applicants should complete only the relevant section of the form. A Completed Work would include works fully created, which have had some form of public presentation or which are ready or close-to-ready to tour. These can be new or old works. A Work Currently in Development includes work currently in the creation stage, and needing further finalisation before the work is ready to present to an audience. The New Ideas section is for works still in a conceptual stage.

There will also be a call for the National Arts Festival’s Fringe programme opening on 1 October and closing on 25 November 2024. Artists should take note that the Fringe call will run for a shorter period than in previous years, enabling the festival to have more time for scheduling the programme, and engaging with presenting artists and companies for a better overall experience and festival programme.

Applicants should not submit more than three applications. The festival reserves the right to reject all applications if more than three applications are submitted. Applications should be submitted through this online form before 16 September 2024 (CAT).

All queries about the application form, should be sent via email to proposals@nationalartsfestival.co.za.

“We are largely looking for Completed Works, or Works in Development, for inclusion in the 2025 Festival,” a statement reads. “However, we are very interested to hear what ideas you have and we are open to engaging with submissions for New Ideas.”

View the original call here.