Artists invited to propose exceptional, innovative and critically relevant work for one of Africa’s leading annual cultural events.
12 August 2026
Open Call:
The National Arts Festival is inviting artists to submit proposals for its 2027 Curated Programme. The call offers established and emerging practitioners an opportunity to present work on a major South African platform for artistic innovation, cultural collaboration and professional engagement. The Festival describes the application process as highly competitive, with proposals considered for inclusion in its curated programme.
Institutional Context:
Held annually in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, the National Arts Festival has been held since 1974. It is one of the largest and most significant arts festivals on the African continent. Its programme brings together performing and visual arts and provides a platform for South African and international artists.
The Festival describes its Curated Main Programme as a showcase for exceptional, innovative and critically relevant artistic work. It includes new and established work across disciplines including theatre, dance, contemporary music and visual arts, with participating artists gaining exposure to audiences, critics, producers and wider industry networks.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The call is aimed at artists and creative teams seeking consideration for the 2027 Curated Programme. The Festival welcomes work of high artistic quality and professional maturity, with its participation information referring to opportunities for both established and emerging artists across artistic disciplines.
Applicants are required to prepare a comprehensive proposal package that includes:
- Detailed artistic concept notes
- Full biographies of the creative and artistic team
- A detailed, itemised production budget
- Comprehensive technical riders and specifications
Applicants should ensure that their proposals clearly communicate the artistic concept and provide sufficient production and technical information to assess the work properly.
Evaluation Process:
Submissions to the Curated Programme are formally reviewed by the National Arts Festival’s Artistic Committee. The process is competitive and is intended to identify work suitable for the Festival’s curated offering.
The Festival positions the Curated Programme as a platform for work that demonstrates artistic excellence, innovation, critical relevance, and professional maturity.
Practical Information:
The application deadline is 27 September 2026 (23:59 Central African Time).
The Festival notes that calls for the Curated Programme typically open between August and October each year. The National Arts Festival website currently provides a dedicated link to submit proposals for the 2027 programme.
Applications and Queries:
Applications for the 2027 Curated Programme should be submitted via the official proposal form available on the National Arts Festival website.
For further information about participating in the Festival, contact info@nationalartsfestival.co.za or National Arts Festival website.
