NACN Funding Program (Cycle 2) – Namibia

The NACN has implemented a new approach to artist grants. The grant will be disbursed in quarterly installments, allowing artists to have a steady stream of income throughout the project’s duration, rather than receiving a lump sum upfront.

The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) is committed towards the provision of arts and culture career specific grants. Building the capacity of experts and a network of qualified professional artists and artisans is essential to the mandate of the NACN to support the growth of the creative cultural industries of Namibia.

Focus Areas

• Applicants must demonstrate their projects’ capacity to address at least one of the following critical focus areas:
  • Social protection and research.
  • Unearthing marginalized and indigenous arts in rural areas.
  • Addressing social ills such as unemployment and gender-based violence.
  • Supporting the involvement of women, youth employment opportunities, and people living with disabilities.
  • Creation of new works through digital media.
  • Capacity building and arts entrepreneurship.

Funding Information

• This cycle will provide grants valued at N$ 167,232.75. A total of eight (8) successful applicants that applied to the NACN Grants Fund have been approved for funding to execute their projects.

What Activities does the NACN Fund?

• Visual Arts
  • Studio arts training e.g. painting, printmaking, sculpting, creative arts, etc.
  • Participation and/or hosting of art shows e.g. fashion shows, exhibitions, etc.
  • Workshops and training.
  • Individual artistic development initiatives such as participation in national art events, festivals, workshops and exhibitions.
• Performing Arts
  • Theatre, dance or music with a view to develop the live performing culture in Namibia.
  • Shows or events such as plays, dance and music performances;
  • Workshops and training in areas such as choreography, acting, dancing, directing, stage set up;
  • Marketing of information of productions and shows;
  • Individual artistic development initiatives, such as participation in national events, such as shows, expos, festivals and workshops.
• Traditional Performing Arts and Crafts
  • Basic business training workshops.
  • Skills transfer and sharing training workshops.
  • Product development, marketing and sales training.
  • Product development initiatives, such as participation in national events, e.g. shows, expos, festivals, workshops and exhibitions.
• Media Arts
  • Improving skills and knowledge of the science of acoustics, electronics, sound, light and stage engineering.
  • Training and workshops in light and sound engineering, computer graphics, stage management, graphic design.
  • Individual artistic development initiatives, such as participation in national events, e.g. training, workshops and conventions.
• Literature
  • The focus is on creative and literary writing.
  • Review of manuscripts and drafts in terms of publishing requirements.
  • Training workshops writing in areas such as biographies, scripts, poetry, and creative writing.
  • Book release and launch events.
  • Information, marketing and distribution initiatives such as talking, reading and presentation sessions.
  • Individual artistic development initiatives, such as participation in national events, e.g. book fairs, conferences, training, workshops and conventions.

Who may apply for a Grant?

• Arts Grants are offered to Namibian individuals, groups or Namibian-based art organisations, for both contemporary and traditional art forms and are available to:
  • Visual artists;
  • Designers;
  • Crafters;
  • Performers such as actors, dancers, musicians, choreographers, scriptwriters and composers;
  • Writers;
  • Arts organisations;
  • Arts training and workshop presenters;
  • Arts promoters;
  • A group of people, where one person takes the lead and responsibility for managing the application and grant, if awarded.

What you will need to apply for a grant?

• Individuals and Small Groups
  • Namibian citizenship.
  • Artistic ability.
  • Proof of work (portfolio with profile).
  • Potential to be exemplary in the community.
  • Motivation and desire to build a career in the arts.
  • Registration with the National Arts Council of Namibia.
• Art Organisations
  • Should be based in Namibia.
  • Should be formally registered.
  • Proven track record of involvement in local art activities.
  • Recommendations, minimum of one.
  • Registration with the National Arts Council of Namibia.

For more information, visit NACN.