National Arts Festival Calls for 2015 Proposals

After celebrating four decades of superb programming, vibrant creativity, courageous experimentation, dynamic international collaborations and a passion for celebrating excellence in 2014, the National Arts Festival is calling for proposals for the 2015 Main programme. The Festival will run in , Grahamstown from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 12 July 2015.

"We are looking for compelling performances, exhibitions and cross-disciplinary works that raise the bar of excellence and innovation; proposals that interrogate our past and our present, that facilitate social change and celebrate our common humanity, and that build a more socially cohesive society," elaborates the Festival's Artistic Director, Ismail Mahomed.

"Historical events such as the 20th anniversary of South Africa's constitutional democracy and the National Arts Festival's 40th anniversary were catalysts shaping the 2014 programme. Next year also offers dynamic opportunities to reflect on major social shifts in South Africa and the rest of the world, with the intention of creating a programme that critiques and celebrates our humanity and stretches the boundaries of artistic practice," Mahomed continued.

Artists, companies and presenters can download a proposal brief from the Festival's website. All proposals must be submitted as per the proposal brief and should reach Mahomed no later than Friday 15 August 2014. Enquiries should be addressed to Mahomed on 046 603 1103 or by email. Winners of the Standard Bank Ovation Awards will receive written invitations to submit proposals for the 2015 Arena programme.

Fringe applications will be available in October 2014 and registration will close on Friday 16 January 2015. Forms and information booklets will be available on-line from the Festival's website. Enquiries should be addressed to the Fringe Manager, Zikhona Nweba, on 046 603 1177 or by email.

The National Arts Festival is sponsored by Standard Bank, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Eastern Cape Government, Department of Arts and Culture, City Press and M-Net.