The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has opened applications for the sixth round of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6), set to support the country’s arts and culture sector during the 2025–2026 financial year.
Through this programme, the NAC aims to strengthen the creative economy while generating jobs for artists, cultural workers and heritage practitioners. At the same time, it places strong emphasis on opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups.
The new call invites both individual artists and registered organizations, including community arts centres, to submit proposals. Applicants may request funding for projects ranging from performances, exhibitions and workshops to festivals, residencies and heritage initiatives. To secure support, projects must demonstrate their potential to create employment and deliver meaningful impact in their communities.
Furthermore, the NAC has structured the funding into three tiers—major, medium and small grants. Larger requests must show the ability to create significant numbers of jobs, while smaller projects may focus on targeted, community-based outcomes.
Applications opened immediately with a closing deadline of 9 October 2025 at 23:59 for online submissions. Manual submissions, available to those without reliable internet access, must arrive by 17:00 on the same day.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/.
