Arts council awards N$330 000 in grants to 12 creative projects

The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has announced the successful applicants for the 2025 Cycle One grant disbursement period."In a year that continues to celebrate the transformative power of the arts, the NACN is pleased to confirm the disbursement of N$330 733.34 to twelve successful applicants under Cycle 1 of its 2024/25 Grant Period," a statement issued on 7 May noted. The funding supports the development and implementation of diverse artistic initiatives. "The selected projects reflect the growing depth and innovation within Namibia’s creative and cultural sectors, reinforcing the NACN’s commitment to inclusive development, capacity building and the professionalisation of the arts," the statement read.The twelve projects were selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Applicants were required to demonstrate how their proposals align with at least one of the NACN’s strategic focus areas, which include enhancing social protection and artistic research, showcasing indigenous and rural arts, addressing social issues such as unemployment and gender-based violence, promoting youth, women, and disability inclusion, creating new works through digital platforms, and advancing capacity building and arts entrepreneurship."Cycle 1 sets the tone for a year of impact-driven support to artists and cultural workers, building on NACN’s vision to stimulate creativity and unlock the potential of the arts to contribute meaningfully to national development. By focusing on these key areas, the NACN aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive artistic environment that addresses societal challenges and fosters growth within the arts sector," the council said.“Ongoing advocacy sessions and improvements in the application process, including participation in national festivals, demonstrate our continued commitment to creating platforms where creative practitioners can thrive," it added.Creating professionals Gretta Gaspar, NACN’s administrator, noted that as the organisation embarks on the project with the Cycle 1 awardees, “we look forward to witnessing the significant impact their projects will have on Namibia’s creative and cultural landscape.”The National Arts Fund, a government initiative established through the National Arts Fund Act, is administered by the NACN. Its mission is to advance Namibian contemporary and traditional arts, with a focus on underserved communities. The NACN is committed to providing project-specific grants, building the capacity of creative professionals, and fostering a strong network of artists and artisans, an essential foundation for the sustainable growth of Namibia’s cultural and creative industries.

Arts council awards N$330 000 in grants to 12 creative projects

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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Arts council awards N$330 000 in grants to 12 creative projects

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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