Media Statement: For immediate release 17 October 2025
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) wishes to clarify the reasons behind the postponement of the 2025 Annual Project Funding outcomes, as announced on 16 October 2025.
The NAC received a total of 3,763 applications for the annual project funding call across various disciplines. 2,278 of these applications are being reviewed by adjudication panels consisting of independent experts. Each panel comprises four members who are not full-time employees of the NAC. As this is the first funding cycle for the newly-appointed adjudicators, they requested additional time to familiarise themselves with the NAC’s adjudication framework, evaluation criteria, and internal systems, given the substantial number of applications.
This additional time ensures that the adjudication process is conducted with due diligence, ethical consideration, and consistency in scoring, thereby upholding the principles of fairness and good governance.
The NAC has noted the concerns raised by the sector regarding the postponement and has resolved to adopt a staggered release approach to ensure timely feedback to applicants while maintaining the integrity of the process. Under this approach, the Visual Arts outcomes will be released on Monday, 20 October 2025, followed by Craft, Literature, Dance and Theatre on Thursday, 23 October 2025, and concluding with Music and Multidiscipline on Friday, 31 October 2025, which received the highest number of applications.
The NAC acknowledges the importance of the Annual Project Funding Programme to artists, organisations, and cultural practitioners across South Africa. While the delay may cause temporary inconvenience, it remains a necessary step to safeguard the integrity, transparency, and equity of the adjudication process.
The NAC remains committed to promoting and supporting the growth of South Africa’s vibrant arts sector and deeply appreciates the continued patience, understanding, and cooperation of the arts community during this period.
ENDS
Media: media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
