National Arts Festival Opens 2027 Curated Programme Applications

The National Arts Festival has opened applications for its 2027 curated programme, inviting artists, producers and creative practitioners to submit work for consideration.

The application window runs from 6 August to 27 September 2026 at 23:59 CAT (Central Africa Time). Submissions must be made through the festival’s online application form.

The 2027 festival is scheduled for late June to early July, with exact dates still to be confirmed.

Applicants may work across a range of artistic disciplines and genres. Each submission must be entered under one of three categories. The festival is primarily seeking completed works and projects already in development, while also welcoming new ideas, particularly where there is existing interest from co-producers.

Applicants may submit no more than two applications. The festival reserves the right to reject applications from anyone submitting more than three proposals.

Proposed works can be submitted across a range of genres.

The festival’s Artistic Director and Artistic Committee will assess submissions and select shortlisted projects. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 2 November 2026.

Artists whose applications are not accepted for the curated programme will have a seven-day window to apply for consideration under the Fringe Programme.

Being shortlisted constitutes provisional acceptance into the programme. Final confirmation will only be issued once festival funding has been confirmed.