The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has announced the successful applicants for its 2024 cycle two grant, valued at N$521,624.30.
After a thorough selection process, 15 projects were chosen to receive funding.
In an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, NACN Administrator, Gretta Gaspar said that 15 out of 98 submissions were selected for funding, emphasising their potential to enhance the arts and culture landscape.
The grant recipients for this cycle are: Home of the Arts (HOTA), Omidi Creative House, The Reformation Cantanta, Opuwo Town Council, University of Namibia Press, Nicoltine N Schaller, Ehi Land/Sand Rites-Group, Lineekela E Mukwendje, Namjive Investments CC, Phillipine Keister, Magdalena Gomachas, Priska Hikoam, Thandeka Hungua, Franzina Hochobes, and !Haos Xuna ≠An.
She stated that, in recognition of the critical role artists play in shaping culture and society, the NACN's funding policy aims to reduce financial constraints while enabling efficient resource allocation.
According to Gaspar, the council supports initiatives across various genres, including craft, dance, fashion, literature, multidiscipline, music, theatre, and visual arts, which reflect the diversity of Namibia's cultural community.
“As we prepare for the 2024/2025 cycle three grant call, the NACN encourages artists from all disciplines to apply for the next cycle, which opens on August 13 and closes on September 13, 2024.”
She also stated that to be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate that their initiatives can address at least one of the primary focal areas, which are social protection and research, highlighting marginalised and indigenous arts in rural areas, addressing social issues such as unemployment and gender-based violence, encouraging women's participation, youth employment opportunities, and people with disabilities, developing new works through digital media, and promoting arts entrepreneurship.
“By addressing these areas, the NACN aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive artistic environment that addresses societal challenges and fosters growth within the arts sector,” she stated.