Apply Now: NACN Grants and Mobility Call in Namibia

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) provides grants to support Namibian artists, cultural organizations, arts institutions, and community projects working across diverse artistic disciplines. The grants support artistic production, events, talent development, research, digital and emerging creative practices, and professional exchange, with applicants encouraged to address at least four of the program’s six critical focus areas.

About the National Arts Council of Namibia Grants

The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) provides financial support to help address the persistent funding gap in Namibia’s arts sector. The program aims to empower Namibian creatives and arts institutions by supporting artistic projects and initiatives that contribute to the country’s cultural development. Funding is available across multiple creative disciplines and supports both artistic activities and initiatives that address important social and cultural priorities. What Do the Grants Support? The grants support a broad range of artistic and cultural activities.

Eligible areas include:

- Studio arts. - Painting. - Printmaking. - Sculpting. - Drawing. - Shows and expos. - Festivals. - Fashion shows. - Exhibitions. - Theatre. - Dance. - Music performances. - Talent development initiatives. - Arts-specific research. - Professional exchange and related travel. The program is designed to support both creative production and opportunities that strengthen the professional development of Namibian artists. Six Critical Focus Areas Applicants are encouraged to address at least four of the six critical focus areas outlined by the National Arts Council of Namibia.

These areas are:

1. Social Protection and Research

Projects may focus on social protection and research within the arts and cultural sector.

2. Marginalized and Indigenous Arts

Applicants can support efforts to uncover, document, promote, and develop marginalized and indigenous arts, particularly in rural areas.

3. Social Issues

Projects may address social challenges such as: - Unemployment. - Gender-based violence. - Other significant social ills affecting communities.

4. Women, Youth, and People Living With Disabilities

The program encourages initiatives that increase the involvement and participation of:

5. Digital Media and Emerging Creative Practices

Funding can support the creation of new works through digital media, including innovation and emerging creative practices.

6. Professional Exchange and Travel

The program supports travel for professional exchange, allowing artists and arts professionals to participate in relevant opportunities that contribute to their professional development and creative networks. Support for Studio Arts Artists working in studio-based disciplines can seek support for activities involving forms such as: - Painting. - Printmaking. - Sculpture. - Drawing. The grants provide an opportunity for artists to develop and present creative work while contributing to Namibia’s broader arts and cultural sector. Support for Events and Performances Funding is also available for participation in and delivery of artistic events.

Supported activities can include:

- Shows. - Expos. - Festivals. - Fashion shows. - Exhibitions. - Theatre productions. - Dance performances. - Music performances. These opportunities can help artists and cultural organizations showcase Namibian creative work and increase engagement with audiences. Talent Development The grants support talent development initiatives designed to strengthen the capabilities of artists and creatives. Projects can focus on developing artistic skills, encouraging emerging talent, and creating opportunities for professional growth within the Namibian arts sector. Arts Research NACN also supports arts-specific research. Research-focused projects can contribute to greater understanding of Namibia’s artistic and cultural landscape, including work related to marginalized and indigenous arts and cultural practices. Digital and Emerging Creative Practices The program recognizes the growing role of technology and innovation in the creative sector. Applicants may propose projects involving: - Digital media. - New creative works. - Innovation. - Emerging creative practices. This focus provides opportunities for artists to explore new methods of creating, presenting, and engaging with artistic work. Professional Exchange and Travel Travel expenses may be supported when they are connected to professional exchange. Such opportunities can help Namibian artists and arts professionals develop professional networks, exchange knowledge, and gain exposure to new artistic practices and opportunities. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be Namibian artists or arts institutions capable of addressing the program’s outlined focus areas.

Financial support is available to:

- Namibian artists. - Cultural organizations. - Arts institutions. - Community projects promoting Namibian arts and culture. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities contribute to the development and promotion of Namibia’s arts and cultural sector. What Should Applicants Focus On? Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that address at least four of the six critical focus areas.

A strong proposal should clearly explain:

- The artistic or cultural purpose of the project. - The communities or artists who will benefit. - The artistic discipline involved. - How the project addresses the selected focus areas. - How the project contributes to Namibian arts and culture. - The expected social or cultural impact. - How the proposed activity will strengthen artistic development or professional exchange. Why These Grants Matter Artists and arts institutions often face financial barriers when developing creative projects, conducting research, participating in events, or accessing professional opportunities. The NACN grants aim to help address these challenges by providing financial support for ar