The Namibian Arts Council (NACN) granted funds totalling N.dollars 167 232 to eight successful applicants under its cycle one grants payment period in 2023.
The NACN, as an organisation dedicated to assisting artists and their creative efforts, recognises the critical role that artists play in influencing culture and society.
It however also recognises that artists frequently confront obstacles due to a lack of money and resources, particularly during unusual times.
NACN Administrator Gretta Gaspar in a media statement on Monday said it wants to provide financial support to artists while also assisting them in managing their resources wisely. In order to achieve this goal, it has introduced a new method to artist awards. Instead of receiving a big sum upfront, the grant will be distributed in quarterly instalments, allowing artists to have a consistent source of income during the course of the project.
“Upon signing the grant agreement, the payment process for each project will be launched, covering the entire quarter of the project,” it said.
This all-inclusive method ensures that all project payments are accounted for within the specified time frame, with no extensions to the project timeline.
The NACN funds projects across various disciplines, aligning with its mandate and applicants can apply for funding in the following disciplines; craft, dance, literature, multi discipline, music, theatre, and visual arts.
The statement further added that to be eligible for funding, applicants must demonstrate their projects’ capacity to address at least one of its critical focus areas; which include social protection and research, unearthing marginalised and indigenous arts in rural areas, addressing social ills such as unemployment and gender-based violence, supporting the involvement of women, youth employment opportunities, and people living with disabilities, creation of new works through digital media, capacity building and arts entrepreneurship.
“By incorporating these focus areas, the NACN aims to foster a diverse and inclusive artistic landscape that tackles societal challenges and promotes growth within the arts sector,” the statement said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency