The 51st National Arts Festival is in production, and as of 1 October, artists have a window to apply to be part of the multidisciplinary showcase through the 2025 Festivals Fringe programme.
The Fringe drives renewal and diversity in the arts, not only at the National Arts Festival but as part of an ecosystem of independent works that travel the country's theatres and often reach international stages. It's also a platform for artists to test new work and generate income from ticket sales.
This year, the National Arts Festival has shifted the window for Fringe applications to a shorter timeframe and earlier date to allow artists, as well as the Festival, to plan further in advance.
Applications for the Fringe opened on 1 October and will close at midnight SAST on 29 November 2024. All applications are submitted online via the submission form, which can be found on the National Arts Festival's website, www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
The Fringe serves as an open access ground for testing new work, exploring peers' work from around the country, and exposing works to producers and programmers. It is also a platform for crowd-pleasing comedy, music, and magic, and Festival-goers often frequent it for entertainment. Many repeat performers on the Fringe produce engaging works that diverse audiences and families enjoy.
“Reflecting on the last 50 years of the National Arts Festival, as we have this year, really brought home the importance of the Fringe in shaping and extending the Festival. It's also a vital space for the future of the country's creativity,” said Nqobile Mbhele, National Arts Festival's Associate Producer.
Artists will be notified by the end of January 2025 regarding the accommodation of their works at the 2025 National Arts Festival, hosted in Makhanda from 26 June to 6 July.