South African National Arts Council Opens 2026–2027 Annual Project Funding Call

South African National Arts Council Opens 2026–2027 Annual Project Funding Call. The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has launched its Annual Project Funding Call for the 2026–2027 financial year, inviting applications from individual arts practitioners, registered arts organisations and community art centres. The call for applications opened on 2 February and will close at 23:59 on 13 March 2026.

Under the terms of the funding call, only one application will be supported per applicant, whether submitted by an individual or a juristic person such as an organisation or company. Applicants are required to register and complete the online application form via the NAC’s portal before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

The NAC is inviting project proposals from active practitioners across seven arts disciplines: craft, dance, literature, music, theatre and musical theatre, visual arts and multidiscipline. Projects should show how they will deliver value and impact within their communities. Applications featuring South African indigenous art forms and initiatives that include capacity building in intellectual property are among those encouraged by the council.

Applicants are also encouraged to present projects that align with the NAC’s outlined strategic focus areas, which include supporting vulnerable groups; addressing social challenges through artistic expression; fostering new works and digital art innovation; and contributing to social cohesion and national building.

The NAC sets out that the maximum funding request amount should not exceed R350 000. Allocation of funds will be guided by objectives that include transformation and redress in the arts sector. Successful applicants will be notified following the adjudication process, scheduled to conclude with outcome announcements on 29 May 2026.

For full details on the call and to apply, visit the official announcement on the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture website: https://www.dsac.gov.za/National%20Arts%20Council%20of%20South%20Africa%20%28NAC%29%20-%20New%20call%20for%20the%20NAC%20annual%20project%20funding%20applications%20for%202026%20-%202027