NACN announces eight grant beneficiaries
The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) announced the first cycle of grants for 2023. This cycle's beneficiaries are the Okahao Arts Centre in Oshana, Osona Culture Festival in Otjozondjupa, Erick Schnack and Nghidinwavali Nghipandulwa from the Khomas region, and Maria Gideon, Ester Nkomba, Franciska Siganda and Filomine Haikera from the Kavango West region.The total value of the grants for this cycle is N$167 232.75.
The NACN recognises the vital role artists play in shaping culture and society. However, it acknowledges that artists often face challenges due to limited funding and resources.
To address this issue, the NACN aims to provide financial support to artists while helping them to manage their resources effectively. In line with this objective, the NACN has implemented a new approach to artist grants. The grant is disbursed in quarterly instalments, allowing artists to have a steady stream of income throughout the project's duration, rather than receiving a lump sum upfront.
The NACN funds projects across various disciplines, aligning with its mandate. Applicants can apply for funding in the following disciplines: Craft, Dance, Literature, Multidiscipline, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must demonstrate their projects' capacity to address at least one of the following critical focus areas:
• Social protection and research
• Unearthing marginalized and indigenous arts in rural areas.
• Addressing social ills such as unemployment and gender-based violence.
• Supporting the involvement of women, youth employment opportunities, and people living with disabilities.
• Creation of new works through digital media.
• Capacity building and arts entrepreneurship.
By incorporating these focus areas, the NACN aims to foster a diverse and inclusive artistic landscape that tackles societal challenges and promotes growth within the arts sector.