The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has announced the opening of applications for its third funding cycle of the 2026/27 financial year. The current call, which opened in September, will close on 9 October at 16h00. This cycle is part of an annual N$800 000 allocation for the current financial year. The NACN is mandated to provide financial and developmental backing to the domestic creative sector through grants, bursaries and project support.
The funding is open to a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, including studio visual arts such as painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking, as well as fashion, theatre, dance, music performances and exhibitions. Practitioners involved in talent development initiatives, festival participation, national event participation and arts-specific research are also eligible to apply. The NACN administrator, Gretta Gaspar, highlighted that the assessment process prioritises proposals with clear artistic merit, viability and broader sector impact.
The purpose of the NACN funding programme is to create opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners to turn viable creative ideas into meaningful work. The council states that grants will not be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, applications will be vetted against specific criteria, including artistic excellence, financial sustainability, feasibility and alignment with key national priorities.
For cycle 3, special consideration will be given to proposals that address social challenges, support marginalised and indigenous art forms, create opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities, foster digital creative practices, and facilitate professional exchanges. The funding call caters to both individual practitioners and registered cultural organisations or collectives.
The NACN urges all prospective applicants to carefully review the official submission guidelines and submit complete documentation before 9 October. The council notes that submission does not automatically guarantee an award. The NACN operates under the National Arts Fund Act 1 of 2005.
The annual allocation of N$800 000 comprises N$600 000 earmarked for general project grants and N$200 000 set aside for mobility support. This funding aims to support the creative sector and provide opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners.
Prospective applicants can benefit from the NACN's funding programme by submitting proposals that align with the council's priorities. The programme seeks to create opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners to develop their work and contribute to the growth of the creative sector in Namibia.
Key points
- The National Arts Council of Namibia has opened applications for its third funding cycle of the 2026/27 financial year, with a total allocation of N$800 000.
- The funding is open to a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, fashion, theatre, dance and music performances.
- The assessment process prioritises proposals with clear artistic merit, viability and broader sector impact.
