Applications open for the Curated Programme at the 52nd National Arts Festival
Image: National Arts Festival
The countdown is on for the 52nd National Arts Festival as the organisers officially open applications for the coveted Curated Programme, set to take place in Makhanda from 25 June to 5 July 2026.
This year, the festival is encouraging artists and creative practitioners to showcase their talents and submit works that reflect the rich tapestry of South Africa's artistic landscape.
The Curated Programme, previously known as the Main Programme, is pivotal to the festival's mission, showcasing exceptional contemporary artwork across varied disciplines. The selections made by the Festival's Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal, and the Artistic Committee will not only highlight existing talent but also engage with the depth and diversity of artistic expression in the country.
Submissions are now open until 3 October 2025, at midnight, via the online application form available on the National Arts Festival's website. Artists are invited to put their best foot forward across three distinct categories:
Completed Works: These are fully finished works that have been publicly presented and are ready for touring. They can be new creations or previously showcased productions.
These are fully finished works that have been publicly presented and are ready for touring. They can be new creations or previously showcased productions. Works in Development: Projects that are still in the creative process, requiring further development before they are ready for public presentation.
Projects that are still in the creative process, requiring further development before they are ready for public presentation. New Ideas:
Works that are in the conceptual stage or early planning phase are also welcomed as part of a broader artistic dialogue.
While the festival seeks primarily Completed Works and Works in Development, the openness to proposed New Ideas adds to the collaborative spirit that defines the festival.
In a statement, Seethal expressed excitement for the upcoming selection process.
'The selection process for the 2026 programme will yet again challenge us to consider the extraordinary depth and breadth of this country's creative imagination. At its heart, the Curated Programme represents a moment in time for our culture and our nation,' she said. This reflects the festival's ongoing commitment to elevating artistic innovation and encouraging fresh narratives.
Crucially, the festival does not request artists to conform to a predetermined theme; instead, it allows for a thematically open interpretation, enabling the artistic team to weave the narrative threads that emerge from the submissions into a cohesive programme. Artists may submit up to two proposals, and the Artistic Committee will review all applications, with shortlisted candidates being notified by 14 November 2025.
For further inquiries about the application process, artists are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
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The National Arts Festival is now accepting applications for the Curated Programme, which will be staged at the 52nd National Arts Festival in Makhanda from 25 June to 5 July 2026. Image: National Arts Festival The countdown is on for the 52nd National Arts Festival as the organisers officially open applications for the coveted Curated Programme, set to take place in Makhanda from 25 June to 5 July 2026. This year, the festival is encouraging artists and creative practitioners to showcase their talents and submit works that reflect the rich tapestry of South Africa's artistic landscape. The Curated Programme, previously known as the Main Programme, is pivotal to the festival's mission, showcasing exceptional contemporary artwork across varied disciplines. The selections made by the Festival's Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal, and the Artistic Committee will not only highlight existing talent but also engage with the depth and diversity of artistic expression in the country. Submissions are now open until 3 October 2025, at midnight, via the online application form available on the National Arts Festival's website. Artists are invited to put their best foot forward across three distinct categories: Completed Works: These are fully finished works that have been publicly presented and are ready for touring. They can be new creations or previously showcased productions. These are fully finished works that have been publicly presented and are ready for touring. They can be new creations or previously showcased productions. Works in Development: Projects that are still in the creative process, requiring further development before they are ready for public presentation. Projects that are still in the creative process, requiring further development before they are ready for public presentation. New Ideas: Works that are in the conceptual stage or early planning phase are also welcomed as part of a broader artistic dialogue. While the festival seeks primarily Completed Works and Works in Development, the openness to proposed New Ideas adds to the collaborative spirit that defines the festival. In a statement, Seethal expressed excitement for the upcoming selection process. 'The selection process for the 2026 programme will yet again challenge us to consider the extraordinary depth and breadth of this country's creative imagination. At its heart, the Curated Programme represents a moment in time for our culture and our nation,' she said. This reflects the festival's ongoing commitment to elevating artistic innovation and encouraging fresh narratives. Crucially, the festival does not request artists to conform to a predetermined theme; instead, it allows for a thematically open interpretation, enabling the artistic team to weave the narrative threads that emerge from the submissions into a cohesive programme. Artists may submit up to two proposals, and the Artistic Committee will review all applications, with shortlisted candidates being notified by 14 November 2025. For further inquiries about the application process, artists are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
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