Do you have an amazing and innovative arts project that needs a financial injection? The great news is that individuals and registered arts organisations can now apply to the National Arts Council (NAC) for project funding for 2020.
The NAC is an implementing agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, responsible for developing, supporting, promoting and advancing the arts in South Africa. It does so by disbursing grants for endeavours that strive to build a vibrant, sustainable arts community.
Last year, 237 South African organisations and projects received NAC grants totalling R49-million. The closing date for this year’s art project funding applications is 30 April 2020, with the results due to be announced in July 2020.
Applicants should take into account the NAC’s mandate to support new works, develop and promote the arts, create jobs and capacity in the sector, promote entrepreneurship and facilitate access to the arts.
The projects must fall within the ambit of at least one of the following NAC programmes:
-
Social cohesion and nation-building
-
Innovation, design and creation of new work
-
Capacity building
-
Strategic initiatives
Furthermore, says NAC CEO Rosemary Mangope, “We would love to see more compassion art proposals and submissions with community impact and cross-disciplinary collaboration at their core. Projects that find innovative and SMART ways to promote environmental sustainability will be prioritised. The arts are a proven catalyst for sparking conversations and healing around complex societal issues. The focus will be on works that promote nation-building and social cohesion.”
Mangope adds that the value proposition should be a core element of each application – this does not just refer to the artistic or creative value of work or project, but also its potential social, economic, creative, recreational, therapeutic and educational value.
Bearing these criteria in mind, arts practitioners and organisations may apply for funding of between R100 000 and R500 000 per project. Applicants must register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/. There is also a video on the NAC’s YouTube channel to assist with online applications.
Applicants are reminded to submit all the necessary documentation and to make sure their applications are in by 30 April 2020 at 5pm. Funding is allocated at the NAC’s discretion – guidelines, and terms and conditions, are available at www.nac.org.za, or call +27 (0)87 700 0683 for more details.
This content was supplied by Flow Communications on behalf of the NAC.
