Attention Creatives! Compliance Help Is Here — But Will NAC Fund Beyond Entertainment?

NAC PESP 6 Help Desks: Giving Artists the Tools to Access Funding
For years, many South African artists and organisations have voiced a shared frustration: funding applications to the National Arts Council (NAC) are often unsuccessful due to non-compliance with requirements. This has left countless creatives without access to critical financial support.

Recognising this challenge, the South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF), in partnership with the NAC, has launched the NAC PESP 6 Funding Help Desk initiative. This programme is designed to provide hands-on support to ensure that artists and organisations are equipped with the knowledge and compliance documents required to submit successful applications.

Why This Matters
The NAC has repeatedly emphasised that the majority of unsuccessful applicants fail due to missing or outdated compliance documents. By addressing this gap, the Help Desks will not only assist artists in submitting their PESP 6 applications correctly but also build long-term compliance habits that will benefit them for future opportunities.

Northern Cape Help Desk Schedule
📍 Venues & Dates

02 October 2025 – Multipurpose, De Aar Town (09h00 – 13h00)

03 October 2025 – Roll Ball Saal, Barkley West (09h00 – 13h00)

04 October 2025 – Northern Cape Theatre, Kimberley (09h00 – 13h00)

📱 For enquiries: 073 2855 897 | 079 944 2467 | 084 738 8665

Mpumalanga Help Desk Schedule
📍 Venues & Dates

29 – 30 September 2025 – Kanyamazane Community Hall, Mbombela (11h00 – 15h00)

01 – 03 October 2025 – Civic Centre, Mbombela (09h00 – 16h00)

06 – 09 October 2025 – Kwamhluswa Community Hall, Nkomazi Local Municipality (11h00 – 15h00)

📱 For enquiries: Mbombela & Nkomazi – 079 497 4106 | 083 678 3612

What Artists Must Bring
Artists are reminded to bring laptops and modems for step-by-step guidance through the online NAC PESP 6 application process. Ongoing online support will also be available through coordinators until 09 October 2025.

Compulsory Compliance Checklist
✅ For Individuals:

Certified ID (not older than 12 months)

Bank letter/statement (not older than 3 months)

Detailed CV

Proof of previous work (photos, brochures, catalogues, links, etc.)

Two signed reference letters (not older than 18 months, with contact details)

✅ For Organisations:

Certified IDs of lead applicant & one office bearer

Bank letter/statement (not older than 3 months)

Organisation registration certificate

Two detailed CVs (lead applicant & senior office bearer)

Proof of previous organisational work (programmes, posters, reports, etc.)

Two signed reference letters (not older than 18 months, with contact details)

Beyond Compliance: Will This Change the Bigger Picture?
While the Help Desks are a welcome step in tackling compliance challenges, the bigger question remains: will this effort shift the NAC towards funding more projects that focus on sustainable development in the arts, not just short-term entertainment?

Many in the industry believe that beyond concerts and festivals, there is an urgent need for projects that:

build capacity and skills within the sector,

invest in youth and rural arts development,

create long-term economic opportunities, and

strengthen cultural institutions.

For the sector to truly grow, funding must be seen not just as event support, but as an investment in the future of South Africa’s creative economy.

A Step Towards Greater Access
This initiative is more than just about compliance—it is about empowering the creative sector to claim its rightful place in South Africa’s cultural economy. By ensuring artists and organisations meet all requirements, the NAC PESP 6 Help Desks are directly addressing one of the biggest barriers to accessing funding.

🎯 Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare, comply, and position yourself for success before 09 October 2025.