Crafting Connections launched a practical, grassroots initiative to combat unemployment and poverty by transforming traditional arts into viable livelihoods. The programme partnered directly with non-profit organisations (NPOs), their staff, and communities to transfer income-generating craft skills. This approach created employment for the trainers while teaching participants authentic trades like basket weaving, intricate beadwork, sewing, wood […]
Author Archives: Sibonelo Chauke
Success Stories
SHADOWS ON STEEL, WALLS OF STONE: THE CREATIVE MOVEMENT THAT TRANSFORMED SOWETO’S LANDSCAPE
08
Jun
Jun
A bold artistic revolution unfolded on the historic streets of Orlando in Soweto, where the past and the future collided to reshape South Africa’s cultural landscape. The groundbreaking project titled “Art Beyond the Gallery,” bridged generational divides by pairing rare 19th-century tintype photography, hand-crafted on metal plates with vibrant, large-scale public murals created by a […]
08
Jun
Jun
In the heart of Northern Cape, across Kimberley at the Frances Baard district, the Disability Arts League quietly set in motion a powerful story of access, creativity, and belonging. What began as a determined effort to open arts to people that are often excluded soon became a vibrant movement of workshops, mentorship, performances, and public […]
08
Jun
Jun
Gontse, a groundbreaking 90-minute contemporary dance choreographic work that founded on true stories of South African women survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The project incorporated young professional dancers that narrated their experiences through powerful, original composition supported by a live band and newly composed music and poetry. The production took place in Johannesburg, with rehearsals […]
27
May
May
Media Statement: For immediate release 27 May 2026 The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) wishes to update stakeholders regarding the 2026 Annual Project Funding Call outcomes. Earlier this year, the NAC invited applications from active creative practitioners across the seven disciplines of Craft, Dance, Literature, Music, Multidiscipline, Theatre, and Visual Arts. The initial […]
26
May
May
Media Statement: For immediate release 26 May 2026 The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) wishes to inform the arts and culture sector and the public that it has received formal correspondence from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture regarding the decision taken by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Honourable Gayton […]
Latest News, Media Releases
NAC AND RMB LATITUDES ART FAIR PARTNER ON INDEX 2026 TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE CAREERS FOR VISUAL ARTISTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
06
May
May
Media Statement: For immediate release 06 May 2026 The National Arts Council (NAC) is proud to announce a pilot partnership with RMB Latitudes Art Fair for INDEX 2026, taking place from 22 May 2026 to 24 May 2026. In a significant move for the creative economy, the two organisations have formalised this collaboration to establish […]
04
May
May
(PESP 7) APPLICATIONS 2026 OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE OUTCOMES DATE 04 May 2026 29 May 2026 14 August 2026 The National Arts Council South Africa (NAC) is pleased to announce a new Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 7) call for arts and culture applications for the 2026-2027 financial year. The PESP is a special government […]
17
Mar
Mar
Media Statement: For immediate release 17 March 2026 The National Arts Council of South Africa reassures the arts and culture sector that operations will continue uninterrupted amid the announced NEHAWU labour dispute. The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has noted reports circulating within the sector regarding a potential disruption to its […]
22
Dec
Dec
Media Statement: For immediate release 22 December 2025 Further to the media statement issued on 18 December 2025 regarding the processing of payments under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6), the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) wishes to provide an update to stakeholders. The NAC hereby confirms that on 18 […]
