National Theatre of Namibia and Goethe-Institut call on artists for 2025 Otjomuise Live Arts Festival
The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Namibia, has officially opened the Call for Pitches for the 5th edition of the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF), set to take place in Windhoek from 31 October to 1 November 2025.
With this year’s theme, “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through the Arts,” the organisers are inviting artists from Namibia and beyond to submit proposals for site-specific, small-scale, and family-friendly works. The focus is on performances, visual arts, and interdisciplinary pieces that activate shared urban spaces and speak to ideas of connection, transformation, and community.
“This year, OLAF continues its commitment to bringing art into the streets and shared spaces of Windhoek,” said Nelago Shilongoh, Artistic Director at the National Theatre of Namibia and co-director of the festival. “The festival seeks work that is innovative, site-specific, and reflects the cultural diversity and creative spirit of our communities.”
Open to creatives aged 21 and above, OLAF has become a vital platform for experimental and participatory work in Namibia’s contemporary arts landscape. Artists are encouraged to think beyond the traditional stage and engage public environments in ways that inspire reflection, joy, and engagement.
“A Garden of Expression feels like the perfect theme for this year,” said Michelle Namases, cultural programmes coordinator at Goethe-Institut Namibia and festival co-director. “It’s an open invitation for artists and creatives to really dig deep, take risks, and play with bold, unexpected ideas. I hope creatives use this as a chance to challenge themselves and bring forward concepts that are raw, joyful, honest, or even uncomfortable—whatever feels real to them.”
The submission process includes scheduled online pitch sessions on Thursday, 17July and in-person auditions from 18-19 July at the National Theatre of Namibia. Walk-ins will be accepted with prior application, and all artists must complete the official application form ahead of auditions. Selected participants will receive production and promotional support to bring their concepts to life during the two-day festival.
Application forms and additional details are available on the official NTN website: www.ntn.org.na.
With this year’s theme, “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through the Arts,” the organisers are inviting artists from Namibia and beyond to submit proposals for site-specific, small-scale, and family-friendly works. The focus is on performances, visual arts, and interdisciplinary pieces that activate shared urban spaces and speak to ideas of connection, transformation, and community.
“This year, OLAF continues its commitment to bringing art into the streets and shared spaces of Windhoek,” said Nelago Shilongoh, Artistic Director at the National Theatre of Namibia and co-director of the festival. “The festival seeks work that is innovative, site-specific, and reflects the cultural diversity and creative spirit of our communities.”
Open to creatives aged 21 and above, OLAF has become a vital platform for experimental and participatory work in Namibia’s contemporary arts landscape. Artists are encouraged to think beyond the traditional stage and engage public environments in ways that inspire reflection, joy, and engagement.
“A Garden of Expression feels like the perfect theme for this year,” said Michelle Namases, cultural programmes coordinator at Goethe-Institut Namibia and festival co-director. “It’s an open invitation for artists and creatives to really dig deep, take risks, and play with bold, unexpected ideas. I hope creatives use this as a chance to challenge themselves and bring forward concepts that are raw, joyful, honest, or even uncomfortable—whatever feels real to them.”
The submission process includes scheduled online pitch sessions on Thursday, 17July and in-person auditions from 18-19 July at the National Theatre of Namibia. Walk-ins will be accepted with prior application, and all artists must complete the official application form ahead of auditions. Selected participants will receive production and promotional support to bring their concepts to life during the two-day festival.
Application forms and additional details are available on the official NTN website: www.ntn.org.na.
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