Open call: National Arts Festival 2027 curated programme in SA

The 2027 festival is scheduled to take place between late June and early July, although the dates have not yet been finalised.

Applications are open from 6 August to 27 September 2026 at 23:59 CAT. Submissions must be made through the festival’s online application form.

The call is open to practitioners working across a range of artistic disciplines and genres. Applicants are required to submit work under one of three categories:

• Completed Works: Works that have been fully created, publicly presented in some form and are ready for touring. Both new and previously created works may be submitted.
• Works Currently in Development: Projects that are still being created and require further development or finalisation before they can be presented to audiences.
• New Ideas: Projects that remain at the conceptual stage.

The festival said it is primarily seeking completed works and projects already in development for the 2027 programme, while also welcoming new ideas, particularly where there is existing interest from co-producers.

Applicants may submit no more than two applications. The festival reserves the right to reject applications from anyone submitting more than three proposals.

Proposed works can be submitted across the following genres:

• Music: Live bands or ensembles, DJs, jazz, and choral or choir projects.
• Performing arts: Theatre, musical theatre, dance, performance art, busking, and performances in public or unconventional spaces.
• Visual art: Exhibitions, installations and public art.
• Film and multimedia: Feature films, documentaries, animation, gaming and multimedia installations.
• Other categories: Heritage, multidisciplinary work, and discourse or talks. Applicants may also select ‘Other’ where their work does not fit the listed categories.

The National Arts Festival’s Artistic Director and Artistic Committee will assess submissions and select shortlisted projects. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 2 November 2026.

Artists whose applications are not accepted for the curated programme will have a seven-day window to apply for consideration under the Fringe Programme.

The festival said being shortlisted constitutes provisional acceptance into the programme. Final confirmation will only be issued once festival funding has been confirmed.

Application deadline: 27 September 2026 at 23:59 CAT

Application period: 6 August to 27 September 2026

Festival dates: Late June/early July 2027, dates to be confirmed

Maximum applications: Two per applicant

Queries: [email protected]