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Thursday, 25 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 25 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

National Arts Council of Namibia

National Arts Council of Namibia — manages the National Arts Fund and awards grants and bursaries to creative projects and arts students across Namibia, supporting the sector's development under the sixth National Development Plan.

2021-09-172026-06-25
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. June 2026

  2. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia is shifting its grant distribution strategy to enforce geographic inclusivity

    Source

    “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 contribution

  3. The Namibian

    The National Arts Council of Namibia awarded three creative projects N$132 066 through its first grant disbursement cycle

    Source

    “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$132 000
  4. April 2026

  5. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia was inducted with members tasked to oversee allocation of funding

    Source

    “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 management

  6. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia carries responsibility in managing National Arts Fund

    Source

    “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 management
  7. February 2026

  8. New Era

    National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) awarded bursaries to 10 students pursuing arts studies

    Source

    “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 bursaries

  9. New Era

    the National Arts Council of Namibia operates under the Directorate of Arts

    Source

    “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 gaps

  10. New Era

    National Arts Council of Namibia supported the production with 3rd Cycle Grant

    Source

    “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 stories
  11. January 2026

  12. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia provided support for the workshop through funding for materials and facilitation

    Source

    “The workshop was made possible through support from the National Arts Council of Namibia.”

    Community art workshop creates path for local talent
  13. November 2025

  14. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia made possible Tsam's trip to Tanzania

    Source

    “Tsam, whose trip is made possible by the National Arts Council of Namibia, will also have gigs in Swakopmund on 21 and 24 December and on 31 January 2026.”

    Pumped up Tsam gearing up for Tanzania festival

  15. The Namibian

    National Arts Council of Namibia supported the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival

    Source

    “The event is supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) and by media partner Energy 100FM.”

    Live Arts Festival Blossoms In City Centre
Culture

Arts council chief targets doubling creative sector GDP share

The News

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 →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Arts council chief targets doubling creative sector GDP share

    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 →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Arts council awards N$132,066 to three creative projects

    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 →

Saturday 25 April

  1. Minister urges transparency in National Arts Fund allocation

    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 →

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibian filmmakers increasingly tell their own stories

    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 →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Arts ministry consults on reviving dormant Namibian music awards

    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 →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. NACN awards N$531,859 in bursaries to ten arts students

    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 →

Friday 13 February

  1. Filmmaker Haikali launches institute to build sustainable creative careers

    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 →

Monday 9 February

  1. Tsum Arts stages play depicting everyday Namibian life

    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 →

Sunday 25 January

  1. Community art workshop empowers local artists with new skills

    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 →

National Arts Council of Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute