(Above: A scene from “Magic
Maids” at the 2025 National Arts Festival, image by Mark Wessels)
The National Arts Festival is looking for an Artistic
Director. Deadline for applications is October 30, 2026.
The NAF is looking for someone with creative vision to drive the festival into a new era. The Artistic Director will set the curatorial identity of NAF as the NAF strives to be the leading contemporary African arts festival - known for quality, relevance, discovery and international reach rather than size alone.
The NAF is hiring for a five-year renewable-term for a part-time Artistic Director who will be working alongside the CEO and chairing an Artistic Committee of practising artists, curators and sector experts. The Artistic Director curates across every discipline, from theatre and dance to music, visual art, film and digital work.
It’s also an opportunity to play a role in shaping the sector; leading a New Works programme that commissions and develops fresh work, steering the Fringe as an innovation laboratory and developing emerging talent through a New Voices initiative. The AD will also build exchange with festivals across Africa and the world.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new direction while building on 52 years of legacy and integrity. If it’s calling your name, apply below before October 30, 2026 (23h50 SAST).
https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/news/naf-artistic-director-vacancy/
Don’t miss the Fringe
entry window
(Above: “12 Dogs” performed
at the National Arts Festival. Image Mark Wessels)
The window to apply for The Fringe is currently open and
closing on November 8, 2026.
While the Fringe is not curated around artistic consideration, space is limited and demand is very high. The Festival looks at the available space and reviews the geographic origin of work, diversity, language, genre and audience appetite to create a diverse and robust Fringe Festival.
The Fringe is independent and unfunded. This means that creators are responsible for raising the funds to produce and present their work. Ideally fundraising for the project should begin now.
Artists who apply for the Fringe are only registering their interest. This does not guarantee them a place. The Festival will inform all applicants whether their registration has been confirmed by February 1, 2027.
Beyond the Stage
The Fringe also lives outside of the theatre. If you have
work that lives in the streets, is an event, conversation, idea or experience
don’t hesitate to apply.
The Festival is also encouraging artists who are working at the intersection of creativity and technology and who are exploring indigenous knowledge systems to apply.
During the National Arts Festival, new Fringe shows are reviewed by an anonymous Ovations Panel and excellence is awarded through the Ovation Awards. At the end of the Festival, additional Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are awarded for work that stood out.
Productions who win Ovation Awards get to carry an Ovation Awards badge on their marketing, funding applications and festival applications; an endorsement of positive independent review and a signal to audiences that a newcomer show should be on their watchlist.
NB:
If you’re ready to take the plunge and serious about raising the funds to get to Makhanda in 2027, head to the Fringe application form below and sign up by 23h59 on November 8, 2026!
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