Creative Opportunities – May 2026
May settles into a quieter, more deliberate rhythm. The pace shifts from urgency to intention, with opportunities that favour depth, research, and sustained creative thinking. Across film, writing, visual art, and performance, there’s a strong pull toward work that is considered rather than reactive.
A number of key deadlines land toward the end of the month and into June, so it’s worth planning your submissions carefully. The strongest applications here won’t be rushed.
As always, here’s what’s worth your attention:
1. NAC PESP 7 – Arts & Culture Funding Call
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has opened its Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 7) for the 2026–2027 financial year. This call is centred on employment creation, inviting projects that generate meaningful work across the cultural sector.
Open to individuals, organisations, and community arts centres, the programme spans disciplines from craft and literature to music, theatre, and visual arts. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability, community impact, and clear job creation, with a focus on youth and vulnerable groups.
Funding ranges from R300,000 to R800,000 depending on scale.
Deadline: 29 May 2026
Outcomes: 14 August 2026
Apply: nac.praxisgms.co.za
Enquiries: pesp@nac.org.za
2. NFVF Advisory Panel Nominations
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites nominations for its Advisory Panel for Production and Development. A strategic role for experienced practitioners looking to shape funding decisions and industry direction.
Deadline: 29 May 2026
Submit: applications@nfvf.co.za
More info: www.nfvf.co.za
3. Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture Grant
A regional call via the Goethe-Institut offers €6,000 grants for artists and creatives across Southern Africa to collaborate on cross-cultural projects with a Heritage Narrative Cluster.
Deadline: 29 May 2026
More info: www.goethe.de/aepc
4. Directors in TYA – International Exchange (Cologne 2027)
ASSITEJ South Africa is nominating one South African director to participate in this global exchange programme. A space for dialogue, reflection, and collaborative practice in Theatre for Young Audiences.
Theme: What does creating common spaces mean in TYA?
Deadline: 3 July 2026
Apply: info@assitej.org.za
5. iPendoring Awards 2026 – Call for Entries
The iPendoring Awards are now open. This is a platform for culturally rooted, boundary-pushing work that connects through language and insight.
Deadline: 15 June 2026
Enter: www.pendoring.co.za
6. Bodhikhaya Residency – October 2026
The Bodhikhaya Residency offers a two-week, fully funded residency for emerging and mid-career artists. A focused, site-responsive environment for developing work, with continued curatorial support beyond the residency.
Application fee: R250
Apply: www.bodhikhayaresidency.co.za
7. Artist Proof Studio – Internship Opportunities
Artist Proof Studio is offering four internships across marketing, finance, and education administration. A strong entry point into a working arts environment.
Deadline: 10 May 2026
Apply: artistproofstudio.co.za
8. FNB Art Joburg 2026 – Early Bird Tickets
The FNB Art Joburg returns this September. Early bird tickets are available throughout May.
Tickets: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/fnb-art-joburg-2026
9. Jakes Gerwel Foundation – Writers’ Residencies
The Jakes Gerwel Foundation offers fully funded residencies in KwaNojoli for writers at various stages, with mentorship in Afrikaans and English.
Deadline: Varies
Apply: jgf.org.za/residencies
10. Oliewenhuis Art Museum – Solo Exhibition Proposals
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum invites proposals for solo exhibitions. A solid institutional platform for artists ready to present a cohesive body of work.
Deadline: 29 May 2026
11. Sasol New Signatures 2026
The Sasol New Signatures opens submissions in early June. One of the country’s most recognised platforms for emerging artists.
Submission dates: 9–10 June 2026
More info: www.sasolsignatures.co.za
