Media Statement: For immediate release 05 September 2025
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) have renewed their partnership to deepen cooperation in the creative and cultural sectors of South Africa and China. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the NAC offices in Johannesburg.
Building on a relationship first established in July 2011, the agreement reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to advancing cultural exchange, fostering artistic collaboration, and creating new opportunities for artists in both nations.
As part of the MoU, South African artists will participate in the 13th China International Folk Arts Festival (CIFAF) in November 2025. A South African dance troupe, along with NAC representatives, has been invited to perform, continuing the nation’s tradition of participation in previous editions of the festival.
At the signing ceremony, NAC Council Chairperson, Mr. Eugene Botha, welcomed Mr. ZHANG Zheng, CFLAC Board Chairperson and Vice President of CFLAC, as they jointly officiated the renewal.
Highlighting the vision behind the agreement, Mr. Eugene Botha shared an inspirational message: “This agreement will not only reinforce our institutional partnership but also create new opportunities for artists, writers, and cultural practitioners in both our countries to share, learn, and grow together.”
Emphasising the global value of this collaboration, Mr. ZHANG Zheng reflected: “I am confident that this agreement will enhance communication and coordination on international and multilateral platforms, particularly within IFACCA, where the NAC continues to play an active leadership role.”
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Media : media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
About The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)
The National Arts Council is an Agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It was established in April 1997 through an act of Parliament (Act No. 56 of 1997). It is the largest Arts & Culture funding agency in South Africa, responsible for serving most of the arts disciplines namely, Dance, Music, Theatre, Craft, Literature, Visual Arts and Multidiscipline.
About The China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC)
The China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) is a national people’s organisation (NGO), that unites China’s literary and artistic community and promotes socialist culture. It is an umbrella organisation overseeing most of China’s literary. While artists explore diverse traditional and contemporary practices, CFLAC acts as both a guardian of heritage and a driver of innovation, ensuring that the arts serve cultural identity, social cohesion, and international diplomacy. The CFLAC’s extensive network includes thousands of member groups and individual artists across China, playing a significant role in artistic development and cultural exchange.
http://www.cflac.org.cn/EnglishPage
