The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has opened applications for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 7) for the 2026–2027 financial year, supporting arts and culture projects that create employment and deliver community impact.
The programme invites individual practitioners, registered organisations, and community arts centres working across disciplines such as craft, dance, literature, music, musical theatre, visual arts, and multidisciplinary practices.
PESP 7 is focused on stimulating job creation in the creative sector while supporting projects that are sustainable, community-driven, and inclusive of youth and vulnerable groups.
Funding
Funding is available across three categories:
Major projects: Up to R800,000. Applicants must propose at least 70 job opportunities and demonstrate national reach, capacity building, and audience development.
Medium-scale projects: Up to R500,000. Applicants must propose at least 40 job opportunities and include capacity building and audience development.
Other projects: Up to R300,000. Projects are assessed based on artistic merit and should prioritise youth and vulnerable groups.
Programme focus
Projects should demonstrate:
-Job creation within the arts and culture sector
-Sustainability over time
-Measurable community impact
-Youth participation and inclusion of vulnerable groups
Eligible activities include creation and composition, workshops, performances, exhibitions, scriptwriting, residencies, and other arts-related initiatives.
Projects promoting South African indigenous art forms and intellectual property are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility
Individual arts practitioners
Registered organisations, groups, and institutions
Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees (priority given to citizens)
Projects can be implemented locally, across the continent, or internationally
Only one application per individual or organisation will be considered
Application information
Application deadline: 29 May 2026
Manual submissions (for applicants without internet access) must be received by 17:00 on the same day.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full guidelines and submit their applications via the official platform.
For more information, click here.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.