Media Statement: For immediate release 16 September 2025
Following requests from sector federations and artists to engage with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) management, the NAC convened a meeting on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, to discuss critical matters raised by the arts sector.
The discussions addressed two primary areas: the timing of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) Funding Call announcement, and clarity regarding the release dates of the Annual Project Funding Call results.
We are pleased to confirm that, following constructive engagement with the sector, mutual agreements and amicable solutions were reached.
In line with these agreements, the NAC will open the PESP 6 Funding Call on 16 September 2025, which will remain open until 9 October 2025, with outcomes scheduled to be announced on the 1st December 2025. Additionally, the NAC will release the outcomes of the Annual Project Funding Call by no later than 17 October 2025 as initially scheduled.
These engagements were conducted following Honourable Minister Gayton McKenzie’s guidance to entities emphasizing the need to strengthen consultation and engagement with the sector to ensure interventions address artists’ developmental needs. They also align with the NAC Disruption Model, which aims to re-engineer processes and systems for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
The NAC appreciates the sector’s engagement with the entity and reaffirms its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and responsive communication. This commitment reflects the organisation’s steadfast dedication to supporting the creative community and ensuring all processes are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in direct response to artists’ and cultural practitioners’ needs.
Ends.
Media : media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
Media Statement -NAC Reaches Agreement with the Sector
