National Arts Council of Namibia — government body that awards grants and bursaries to creatives, artists and arts students, and manages the National Arts Fund supporting Namibian creative sector development.
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The Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia has opened applications for its third funding cycle of the 2026/27 financial year
“The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has opened applications for its third funding cycle of the 2026/27 financial year, calling on Namibian artists, cultural practitioners and creative organisations to apply for financial support before the October deadline.”
N$800 000 arts fund up for grabsNamibian Sun
National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) awarded funding to 25 creatives under the 2026 National Arts Fund Grant and Mobility Programme Cycle 2
“The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has awarded funding to 25 creatives under the 2026 National Arts Fund Grant and Mobility Programme Cycle 2, from among 55 applications.”
NACN awards N$1m in grants to 25 creativesInformanté
National Arts Council of Namibia was commended for efforts to support, develop and promote the country's arts and cultural sector
“Steenkamp commended the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) for its continued efforts to support, develop and promote the country's arts and cultural sector.”
National Arts Fund awards N$1.25 million to creativesThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia is shifting its grant distribution strategy to enforce geographic inclusivity
“Ndamanomhata said the new board is shifting its grant distribution strategy to enforce geographic inclusivity, ensuring financial aid reaches far beyond traditional urban hubs like Windhoek and the Erongo region.”
New arts council boss aims for 3% GDP contributionThe Namibian
The National Arts Council of Namibia awarded three creative projects N$132 066 through its first grant disbursement cycle
“The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has awarded three creative projects N$132 066 through its first grant disbursement cycle of the year to strengthen the country's cultural and creative industries.”
Arts council boosts local culture with N$132 000The Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia was inducted with members tasked to oversee allocation of funding
“This to ensure fair and impactful support for the country's creative sector. Steenkamp said this during the induction of the National Arts Council of Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday, where newly appointed members were tasked with overseeing the allocation of funding.”
Minister Steenkamp calls for transparency in arts fund managementThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia carries responsibility in managing National Arts Fund
“The minister said the council carries a key responsibility in managing the National Arts Fund and ensuring funding reaches artists across the country.”
Minister Steenkamp calls for transparency in arts fund managementNew Era
National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) awarded bursaries to 10 students pursuing arts studies
“The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has awarded bursaries to 10 students who are pursuing their studies in the arts field.”
10 awarded NACN bursariesNew Era
the National Arts Council of Namibia operates under the Directorate of Arts
“She clarified that the National Arts Council of Namibia operates under the Directorate of Arts and primarily serves as a funding body.”
Haikali shifts focus to youth … new creative institute targets industry gapsNew Era
National Arts Council of Namibia supported the production with 3rd Cycle Grant
“The production was supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia's 3rd Cycle Grant, which Linyondi said "made this production possible, allowing us to maintain professional standards while supporting local talent."”
Tsum Arts breathes life into local storiesThe National Arts Council of Namibia has opened its third funding cycle for the 2026/27 financial year, with applications closing on 9 October. The N$800,000 allocation comprises N$600,000 for general project grants and N$200,000 for mobility support, open to artists, cultural practitioners and creative organisations across visual arts, fashion, theatre, dance, music and other disciplines.
14 hours ago · The Namibian →
The National Arts Council of Namibia has opened its third funding cycle for the 2026/27 financial year, with applications closing on 9 October. The N$800,000 allocation comprises N$600,000 for general project grants and N$200,000 for mobility support, open to artists, cultural practitioners and creative organisations across visual arts, fashion, theatre, dance, music and other disciplines.
14 hours ago · The Namibian →
The National Arts Council of Namibia has awarded N$1 million in funding to 25 creatives under the 2026 National Arts Fund Grant and Mobility Programme Cycle 2, selected from 55 applications.
7 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Twenty-eight Namibian artists and creative practitioners received more than N$1.25 million through the National Arts Fund to support projects in music, visual arts, theatre and film. The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture announced the grants, which the government described as investments in creativity, cultural heritage and economic opportunities for Namibian artists.
6 August 2026 · Informanté →
Newly appointed National Arts Council of Namibia chairperson Lot Ndamanomhata aims to increase the creative sector's contribution to GDP from 1.5% to 3% under the sixth National Development Plan, citing improvements in the industry's coordination and citing 327 local film productions between 2022 and 2024 that generated an average of N$122.5 million in spending and created over 2,400 jobs. He acknowledged that policy, infrastructure, and financial deficits continue to constrain the sector, with funding remaining the most pressing challenge as most creative projects are self-financed.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Arts Council of Namibia has awarded N$132,066 through its first grant cycle of the year to three creative projects across individual, group and organisational categories in Omaheke, Khomas and Oshana regions, supporting initiatives aligned with the sixth National Development Plan's recognition of the creative sector.
4 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Sanet Steenkamp told newly appointed National Arts Council members that transparent, equitable, and impactful resource allocation is critical to supporting Namibia's creative sector fairly. The council is responsible for managing the National Arts Fund and ensuring funding reaches artists across both urban and rural areas.
25 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's film industry has grown since independence, with local filmmakers now producing work that reaches international festivals and streaming platforms, though industry stakeholders say sustainable funding, distribution and marketing remain key challenges for long-term development.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has invited industry stakeholders to help shape the return of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), which have been dormant since MTC withdrew funding in 2020. A stakeholder engagement session is scheduled for 14 March to strengthen the awards' credibility and gather input on award categories, industry development needs, and future direction.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Arts Council of Namibia has awarded bursaries to ten students pursuing arts-related studies at local and international institutions, including heritage conservation, film, animation, and professional acting. The funding aligns with government education guidelines and the creative sector's skills needs.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
Veteran filmmaker Joel Haikali has established the Creative Industry Institute Africa to address gaps in Namibia's creative ecosystem, particularly in distribution, marketing and monetisation, as many young creatives lack access to information, markets and funding. The National Arts Council is also shifting from one-off project grants towards enterprise development and capacity building to help creatives build viable, income-generating businesses.
13 February 2026 · New Era →
Playwright Peter Linyondi's stage play "End of the Month" portrayed relatable Namibian experiences including financial hardship and family relationships, with humor balanced thoughtfully to reflect on serious topics. The production, supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia's 3rd Cycle Grant, attracted local leaders and positive audience feedback, encouraging further local theatre development.
9 February 2026 · New Era →
A 12-day workshop at Ombili Community Centre in Windhoek trained 12 aspiring artists in knitting, tie-dye, and painting, with participants now selling their work in the community. The workshop, supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia, aims to expand nationally and include school-based programmes such as mural painting.
25 January 2026 · The Namibian →