SA: National Arts Council announces recipients of 2022 project funding

The announcement follows a call for applications in May in which 139 applications were successful across the performing arts disciplines that were earmarked during the call. A total of R26m (about $1.45m) was allocated, with R6.5m going to music, R5m for dance, R5.3m for theatre and R9.4m for multidiscipline.

Of the 2 374 applications received, only 829 applications were compliant and referred to the NAC advisory panels for adjudication. Therefore, only 34.9% of the applications received were worthy to be considered by the panels, and 64.1% had to be declined.

“The NAC has noted with great concern the number of applications that did not proceed to adjudication due to administrative noncompliance,” the council said in a statement. “These applications failed to adhere to the requirements stated in the call for funding guidelines, such a certified copies of identity documents, signed and dated references letters with addresses, and correct confirmation of banking details to name a few.

“This is of serious concern to the NAC who, at the beginning of its term, removed several barriers that have previously prevented arts practitioners from submitting their applications or being declined. The barriers removed included requirements for company financial statements, a valid tax certificate submitted at the application stage and a certified copy of ID.”

According to the NAC, only successful applicants would be required to submit a tax certificate at the contracting stage, while only financial statements related to NAC-funded projects need to be submitted at project conclusion. NAC said management had embarked on capacity-building initiatives to assist with application processes from 3 to 10 June.

“It is, however, regrettable that the majority of received applications did not qualify to be adjudicated because they were not within the performance and showcase category as specified on the guidelines. It can also mean that the industry may have lost out to some of the most creative ideas.

“Council and management are pleased to inform the sector that all adjudications on applications were done by qualified industry experts in the arts sector. Each art discipline adjudication panel was chaired by a council member, who only played an oversight role and did not participate in any adjudication process,” the NAC said.

The full list of recipients can be viewed here.