National Arts Festival opens call for 2026 artists

The National Arts Festival is inviting artists and companies to submit applications for its curated programme before 3 October. 

The curated programme will be staged at the 52nd National Arts Festival in Makhanda from 25 June to 5 July 2026. Organisers are seeking artistic work based on merit, innovation, and relevance. This strand of the festival is a selection of works chosen by the festival’s artistic director and artistic committee. 

Previously known as the main programme, the curated programme represents the heart of the festival’s vision, showcasing compelling contemporary work across multiple disciplines. 

Festival Artistic Director Rucera Seethal said the curated programme captures “a moment in time for South African culture and the nation.” 

“For the artistic programme team, this is an exciting time to engage with artistic ideas and work proposals, exposing directions for next year’s festival,” Seethal said. 

She added that while the festival is primarily seeking completed works and works in development for the 2026 programme, submissions under new ideas are also welcome as part of a broader conversation with artists. 

“The selection process for the 2026 programme will yet again challenge us to consider the extraordinary depth and breadth of this country’s creative imagination,” she said. 

Applicants can submit works under three categories: 

Completed Works: Fully created works that have been publicly presented and are ready to tour. These may be new or previously staged. 

Works in Development: Projects that are still being created and require further development before public presentation. 

New Ideas: Works in the conceptual or early planning stage. 

The festival does not require artists to respond to a set theme, instead leaving submissions thematically open. The artistic team will weave thematic connections between the selected works to shape the final programme. 

Applicants may submit up to two proposals, which will be reviewed by the artistic director and artistic committee. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 14 November.