National Arts Festival 2027 — Curated Programme Open Call

Description: Africa's largest arts festival is taking proposals for the curated programme of its 2027 edition in Makhanda. Theatre, dance, contemporary music and visual arts are all in scope, and the call accepts finished productions, works in development and entirely new artistic ideas. Established companies and emerging practitioners are considered side by side; selected work is presented to national audiences, critics, producers and industry networks. Applicants may submit up to two proposals and there is no application fee.

Requirements: Artistic concept note; biographies of the creative team; itemised production budget; technical rider and staging specifications. Open to artists, producers and creative practitioners, both established and emerging.

Pay: No application fee is mentioned. The call does not state stipends or performance fees for selected work; the stated benefit is exposure to audiences, critics, producers and the wider industry.

How to apply: Apply through the official proposal form on nationalartsfestival.co.za. Queries to info@nationalartsfestival.co.za or 0860 002 004. Closes 27 September 2026 at 23:59.

Official source: artafricamagazine.org