Creative Opportunities Round-Up: Festivals, Residencies, Awards, Open Calls and Career Opportunities
A strong mix of opportunities is currently open for creatives across South Africa and beyond — emerging designer competitions, funded entrepreneurship programmes, international residencies, major cultural festivals and senior leadership vacancies among them.
If you’re looking to grow, exhibit, lead or connect, there’s plenty worth exploring over the coming weeks.
1. PNA “Create It To Make It” Young Designers Competition 2026
PNA has opened applications for the Create It To Make It Young Designers Competition 2026, inviting emerging creatives from South Africa and Namibia to transform everyday stationery and craft materials into original works of design.
This year’s theme, “Re/Make the Everyday”, challenges participants to rethink ordinary creative tools and repurpose them into unexpected and innovative works across disciplines including fashion, graphic design, architecture, digital media, fine art and product design.
The competition aims to encourage experimentation while creating pathways for professional development through visibility, mentorship and industry exposure.
Prize Pool Includes:
- Total prize value of more than R90,000
- Laptop and drawing tablet for the overall winner
- Paid professional internship
- R23,000 PNA gift voucher for first place
- R15,000 and R10,000 vouchers for second and third place respectively
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Open to creatives based in South Africa and Namibia
- Fashion, illustration, UX/UI, architecture, fine art and industrial design practitioners are encouraged to apply
Deadline: 31 July 2026
More information: interartsfunding.com/opencalls/pna-create-it-to-make-it-young-designers-competition-2026
2. Visual Art Merchandise Project (VAMP)
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), in partnership with the Independent Network for Contemporary Culture & Art (INCCA), is inviting applications for the funded 12-month Visual Art Merchandise Project (VAMP).
Designed for visual artists based in Johannesburg townships, the programme supports participants in transforming existing artworks into market-ready merchandise and design-led consumer products while building sustainable creative businesses.
Participants will receive:
- Business registration and compliance support
- Business development services
- Market access opportunities and industry linkages
- Revenue generation and job creation support
Eligibility:
- South African citizens aged 18–35
- Residents of Johannesburg townships
- Unemployed visual artists interested in entrepreneurship and commercialising their work
- Preference given to women and persons living with disabilities
Deadline: 28 June 2026
More information: incca.org.za
3. Ruth Prowse School of Art Executive Head Vacancy
The Ruth Prowse School of Art in Woodstock, Cape Town, is seeking a new Executive Head to guide the institution through its next phase of strategic growth, innovation and sustainability.
The successful candidate will provide academic, strategic and operational leadership while driving student growth, fundraising, stakeholder engagement and programme development.
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s qualification in Education, Fine Arts or a related discipline
- Senior leadership experience within higher education or the creative sector
- Strong financial, organisational and business management capabilities
- Experience in fundraising and stakeholder engagement
Deadline: 22 July 2026
Applications can be sent to: steve.woodward@ruthprowse.co.za
More information: ruthprowse.co.za
4. Silence Awareness Existence Residency, Finland
Arteles Creative Center in Finland is accepting applications for its thematic residency programme, Silence Awareness Existence, taking place during the Northern winter of 2027.
The residency welcomes artists, writers, researchers and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in contemplation, self-directed development and cross-disciplinary exchange.
Participants may apply for one-month residency periods running between January and March 2027.
Taking place in the Finnish winter landscape, the programme offers dedicated time for reflection, research, creative experimentation and dialogue with an international cohort of practitioners.
Deadline: 30 July 2026
More information and applications: arteles.org
5. National Arts Festival 2026
One of Africa’s largest cultural gatherings returns this winter, transforming Makhanda into a vibrant hub of creativity, performance and artistic exchange.
The 2026 programme explores themes including Indigenous knowledge systems, decolonial futures, technology, artificial intelligence and contemporary African identity through theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts.
For artists, cultural practitioners and audiences alike, the festival remains one of the continent’s most significant cultural events and an important platform for creative exchange and networking.
25 June – 5 July 2026 | Makhanda
More information: nationalartsfestival.co.za
