The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has awarded more than N$1 million to 28 successful applicants under its third and final funding cycle for 2026.
The allocation brings the Council's total investment in the creative and cultural industry to over N$2.2 million this year.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), in collaboration with NACN, continues to support the country's creative and cultural industries through funding for artists and cultural projects.
Under its third and final funding cycle for 2026, the NACN has awarded N$1,009,239.14 to 28 successful applicants.
The allocation brings the Council's total investment in the creative and cultural industries to more than N$2.2 million this year.
The funding will support projects across various artistic disciplines and regions in Namibia.
The funding, amounting to N$1,009,239.14, will support artists and cultural projects across different artistic disciplines and regions in Namibia.
Deputy Executive Director Paulus Nghikembua announced the successful beneficiaries, bringing the Council's total number of supported projects for the year to 56.
" Through the National Arts Fund, we seek to create opportunities for artists, cultural practitioners and organisations to bring their ideas to life and to contribute to the growth of the creative industry. The arts and culture sector plays a vital role in our country. It enables us to preserve our heritage, share our stories, promote our identity and create opportunities for employment and economic development."
The third cycle follows the allocation of approximately N$1.1 million to 25 beneficiaries during the second cycle.
NACN Chairperson Lot Ndamonohmata says the funding is aimed at strengthening the creative sector and creating opportunities for artists to develop their work.
"Behind each of these figures is a story; it's a performance stage, it's a skill passed on, and a young creative is given a chance when a community's heritage is kept alive. The National Arts Council, through the Line Ministry, remains committed to distributing public funds fairly and transparently and to reaching artists in every corner of our country, including indigenous and rural communities, women, young people and people with disabilities."
The Council's funding priorities include promoting indigenous and rural arts, supporting artistic research, developing skills and encouraging entrepreneurship.