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 made possible Tsam's trip to Tanzania
“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 festivalThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia supported the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival
“The event is supported by the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) and by media partner Energy 100FM.”
Live Arts Festival Blossoms In City CentreThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia has been a crucial supporter of Suzy Eises's show and music project
“"The National Arts Council of Namibia has been a crucial supporter.”
Suzy Eises Live at NTN on SaturdayThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia donated instruments to HOTA
“Werah Café Theatre benefited from the instruments that were donated to HOTA by the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), and these are the instruments that they have been using when hosting their events.”
Werah Café Theatre A Creative Hub for Independent ArtistsThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia donated instruments to HOTA
“Werah Café Theatre benefited from the instruments that were donated to HOTA by the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), and these are the instruments that they have been using when hosting their events.”
Werah Café Theatre A Creative Hub for Independent ArtistsThe Namibian
The National Arts Council of Namibia is established through the National Arts Fund Act of 2005
“The National Arts Council of Namibia is established through the National Arts Fund Act of 2005, which makes provision for the establishment of a council to act as an advisory body to the fund.”
Hunt On For New Arts CouncilThe Namibian
The National Arts Council of Namibia has come under increased fire for alleged corruption, fraud and maladministration
“The current council has come under increased fire for alleged corruption, fraud and maladministration after one of its councillors blew the whistle on alleged malpractices.”
Hunt On For New Arts CouncilThe Namibian
National Arts Council of Namibia received adverse opinion from auditor general for using inappropriate financial framework
“The auditor general gave the NACN an adverse opinion based on the fact that it has used an inappropriate financial framework and that its financial statements did not conform to the used standards.”
Arts Council Gets First Audit in Nine YearsThe 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 →
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 →