October is here and there is plenty happening across Mzansi for creatives. From open calls and exhibitions to festivals and funding opportunities, the month is full of chances to explore, try new things, and take your projects a step further. Deadlines are spread across the month, so don’t wait too long. Explore the opportunities, and soak up the creative buzz.
We’ll keep bringing the good stuff your way 😉
Featured Opportunities & Events for Creatives:
1. Art School Africa x The President Hotel: Summer Exhibition 2025/26
📅 Deadline: 3 October 2025
Multidisciplinary exhibition in Cape Town inviting emerging African artists to respond to the theme of locality. Up to two works may be submitted, with opportunities to connect with collectors, galleries, and the public.
🔗 Apply here: https://4chocppu9yw.typeform.com/
2. Thuthuka Co-Development Fund (NFVF + NFF)
📅 Deadline: 7 October 2025
Film co-development initiative supporting one South African and one Dutch feature project. Up to €40,000 available, with script development, coaching, and workshops in Rotterdam and beyond.
🔗 Apply online: https://www.nfvf.co.za/national-film-and-video-foundation-netherlands-film-fund-thuthuka-co-development-fund-call-4/
3. National Arts Council (NAC): PESP 6 Funding Call
📅 Deadline: 9 October 2025
Funding support for arts and culture projects across disciplines, with allocations from R300,000 to R800,000. Proposals must focus on job creation, youth, and vulnerable groups.
🔗 Apply online: https://www.nac.org.za/new-call-for-presidential-employment-stimulus-programme-6-pesp-6-applications-2025/
4. Fak’ugesi Festival 2025 – #PowerSurge
📅 7–12 October 2025, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Africa’s leading digital creativity festival returns with art, gaming, XR, AI, and music. Featuring awards, showcases, and global conferences, Fak’ugesi is a must for digital creatives.
🔗 Programme & tickets: https://fakugesi.co.za/
5. Labyrinth: Revelations Exhibition
📅 10 October 2025, 18:00–22:00, Cape Town
An immersive gallery evening exploring labyrinths as poetic and spatial structures. Expect nonlinear experiences and sensory works that favour intuition over certainty.
🔗 Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/327431-labyrinth-revelations/#/
6. Latitudes x Thrive Student Art Competition
📅 Deadline: 10 October 2025
University art students across South Africa are invited to submit artwork for Thrive merchandise. Three winners receive R10,000 each plus nationwide exposure.
🔗 Apply here: https://editorial.latitudes.online/blog/posts/thrive-competition-calling-all-student-artists/
7. Reel to Reality Film Festival 2025
📅 11–12 October (Johannesburg) | 18 October (Cape Town)
Outdoor screenings blending African and diasporic stories with community, nature, and music. Presented with the NFVF.
🔗 Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/331294-reel-to-reality-film-festival/#/
8. European Film Festival South Africa (EUFF 2025)
📅 9–19 October 2025 | Cape Town, Johannesburg & online
The 12th edition features 10 contemporary European films, curated by Encounters SA Documentary Festival. Screenings in cinemas, online, and community venues.
🔗 More details: https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/
9. WORLDART10 Competition
📅 Deadline: 31 October 2025
Cape Town gallery WORLDART invites South African artists to submit portfolios (PDF) with a bio. Ten artists will be selected for features, online visibility, and potential exhibition.
🔗 More details: https://www.worldart.co.za/exhibitions-news/worldart10
10. Durban FilmMart Institute: Animation Pitch 2026
📅 Deadline: 31 October 2025
Call for African animators with projects in development. Selected creators will gain mentorship, masterclasses, and the chance to pitch at DFM 2026 in Durban.
🔗 Apply here: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/dfm-pitch-and-finance-forum-application-information/
11. Numen of Story – Submissions Open
📅 Phase 1 closes: 20 October 2025
An archival and journal platform amplifying African creatives in visual art, literature, photography, and beyond. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.
🔗 More details: https://www.numenofstory.com/submit
