A call to apply for NAC arts projects funding

The National Arts Council (NAC), an implementing agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has invited all arts and culture orgnisations and projects to apply for project funding for 2020.
Applications close on 30 April with the results due to be announced in July.
According to a media statement 237 South African organisations and projects received NAC grants totalling R49 million in 2019.
“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 and strategic initiatives. The NCA is 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,” the statement read.
It further stated that 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/. Applicants are reminded to submit all the necessary documentation, and to make sure their applications are in by 30 April 2020 at 17:00. 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.”
Spokesperson for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, Jermina Kaka also urged organisations to heed the call and apply for the funding. She explained that the department could not respond positively to all the requests for financial assistance it annually received and that the NAC could possibly offer a solutrion.
“We don’t have money. What we do is to write them motivational letters so that they can assisted elsewhere. However, NCA is the agency of the national department and we are working with them. We want to see organisations and projects to applying in their numbers and making use of the opportunity.”
Chief Executive Officer of NAC, Rosemary Mangope was quoted to have said: “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. Focus will be on works that promote nation building and social cohesion.”
She also quoted saying 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.”

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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