The National Arts Festival has opened its applications for its 2025 Fringe programme earlier than usual, artists take note!
“This year, the National Arts Festival (NAF) has shifted the window for applications for the Fringe to a shorter time frame and earlier date to allow artists, and the festival, to plan further in advance,” the NAF said in a statement.
Taking place in Makhanda from June 26 to July 6, the 51st iteration of the 11-day festival is once more broken down into two programme formats — the Curated and the Fringe.
Applications closed in September for the Curated programme — which comprises works selected by the festival’s artistic committee and given a budget for creation, rehearsals and presentation in Makhanda, often co-produced with other partners.
The Fringe is a smorgasbord of independent and self-funded art, which make a profit through ticket sales.
All submissions are done online, and opened on October 1, closing at midnight on November 29.
Artists will be notified by the end of January 2025 if their works will be included.
NAF associate producer Nqobile Mbhele said: “Reflecting on the last 50 years of NAF as we have this year, really brought home the importance of the Fringe to shape and extend the festival, but it’s also a vital space for the future of the country’s creativity.”
Applications for work across all genres — including film — can be registered online, but visual artists apply using a separate form, also on its website.
The NAF further explained the importance of the Fringe platform in their media release.
“The Fringe drives renewal and diversity in the arts, not only at the NAF but as part of an ecosystem of independent works that travel the country’s theatres and often go beyond SA onto international stages.
“It’s also a platform for artists to test new work and generate income from ticket sales.
“The Fringe is an open access ground for testing new work, exploring peers’ work from around the country and exposing works to producers and programmers.
“It’s also a platform for crowd-pleasing comedy, music and magic.
“It’s where festivalgoers often go for fun and many of the repeat performers on the Fringe produce entertaining works that diverse audiences and families enjoy.”
The 2025 Fringe Guide for Productions breaks down the process and fees for artists, which includes a registration fee of R1,000 which must be paid before February 2025.
East London artist Kerry Hiles, who has performed at the arts festival since she was a teenager, said: “As with most artists I know, procrastination is a real thing ... you need urgent deadlines to shift that particular agenda into focus ...
“So having the applications so soon is not necessarily a bad thing.
“The NAF is a great testing ground for new works and a wonderful opportunity to witness what else is being done and by whom.
“It is inspiring to be part of a festival and keeps your creative juices flowing and your idea of quality in check.”
- Entries close at midnight SAST on November 29 2024, the submission form can be found on the National Arts Festival’s website www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
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