Here’s a summary of the provided article, along with key takeaways and a breakdown into paragraphs:
Key Takeaways
- The National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda, a significant cultural and economic event, faces uncertainty regarding funding from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for the 2026 edition.
- Despite the funding uncertainty, the NAF organizers are actively seeking support from existing and new sponsors to ensure the festival proceeds as planned.
- The DSAC is prioritizing a broader distribution of funding, aiming to support new and emerging festivals alongside established events like the NAF.
- The potential loss of government funding for the NAF could jeopardize around 3,000 jobs and significantly impact the economy of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape.
- The NAF is actively engaging with the DSAC and collaborating with other festivals to advocate for a more sustainable and equitable funding model for the arts sector.
Summary
The 2026 National Arts Festival (NAF) is proceeding with plans to take place from June 26th to July 6th, despite uncertainty surrounding funding from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). CEO Monica Newton has assured the public that the festival will continue with the support of longstanding partners like the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and Standard Bank, alongside other sponsors who have consistently backed the event. The festival organizers are actively engaging with the national department to discuss funding possibilities for the 2026 edition, acknowledging broader concerns within the festival community regarding the current funding environment.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie clarified that funding for the National Arts Festival is still pending. He explained the department’s focus on supporting new provincial flagship projects and a policy that generally restricts support to one project per organization per financial year. He maintains that the NAF, like any other festival, has the opportunity to apply for funding through the open call process. However, the festival’s application was unsuccessful in 2025. The NAF had previously received R5.5 million from the national government over a three-year period (2022-2024), but this funding was not renewed for 2025.
The potential repercussions of the DSAC rejecting the NAF’s funding application for 2026 are significant. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 jobs would be at risk. Minister McKenzie explained that funding for national flagship projects is not specifically "ringfenced" but falls under cultural and creative industries projects, which are subject to the open call application process. He noted that the affected festivals, including the NAF, did not succeed in this competitive process. He added that the decision was made without consulting industry representatives.
Minister McKenzie has emphasized the need for a sustainable funding mix for the arts, reducing over-reliance on government support. He has posed critical questions regarding the long-term sustainability of festivals that have become overly dependent on government funding, particularly those with a long history. He also stresses the importance of supporting new and diverse festivals and fostering fresh talent and innovative ideas in the arts sector. His stated intention is to create a master plan that ensures the thriving and growth of festivals, while also enabling historically excluded festivals to receive the necessary support.
The National Arts Festival plays a vital role in the economic well-being of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape. A Nelson Mandela University study assessing the economic impact of the 2024 festival revealed that it contributed R57.9 million to Makhanda’s economy and R131.8 million to the Eastern Cape’s economy. These figures represent a decline from previous years, attributed to factors such as inflation and poor economic growth. In addition to its economic impact, the festival serves as a social development hub in Makhanda. In June/July 2024, the festival sourced R6.7 million from the Social Employment Fund, creating 1,604 direct jobs in addition to the 247 work opportunities related directly to the festival.
The Democratic Alliance caucus leader in Makhanda, Luvuyo Sizani, underscored the festival’s importance as the economic engine of the town for decades. He described the festival as a source of jobs, hope, and survival for many families and small businesses, attracting thousands of visitors and boosting the local economy.
