NACN awards N$1m in grants to 25 creatives

The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has awarded funding to 25 creatives under the 2026 National Arts Fund Grant and Mobility Programme Cycle 2, from among 55 applications.

The latest funding round represents an allocation of more than N$1 million.

The announcement follows the programme’s first funding cycle, which supported three beneficiaries with a combined N$132 066. Together, the two cycles amount to a N$1 254 092.86 investment in Namibia’s creative sector during the current financial year, supporting 28 practitioners across a diverse range of artistic disciplines.

The Khomas Region received the largest share of the allocations, with 17 recipients, while Hardap had two recipients and Omusati, Kavango East, Omaheke, Oshikoto and Ohangwena each had one.

Speaking at the announcement briefing, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp encouraged recipients to use the grants responsibly.

“I encourage you to make responsible use of these resources, to deliver projects of excellence and to ensure that the impact of your work extends beyond yourselves to uplift communities, mentor emerging artists and strengthen Namibia’s creative ecosystem,” said the Minister.

Mobility led the distribution with six beneficiaries, including the Hui-Dare Group, St George's Diocesan School and Creative Africa Nexus. This was followed closely by visual arts and music, with five approvals each.

Key recipients in these fields include the Ekori Resurgence Jewellery Collection, New Media Design (COTA), the Okahao Arts Centre, and the Namibia Gospel Music Awards (NGOMA).

The remaining allocations support fashion, multi-disciplinary projects, craft, literature and digital media.

Support was granted to Marshant Van Rooi, Luis Munana Productions, Thalitah Tjozongoro, Nangula Hamwaala and Jaimee-Lee Investment, among others.

Together, these awards reflect the council's ongoing commitment to strengthening diverse creative sectors across the country.

To date, a total of 223 creatives have benefited from the grants, the council said.