Guidelines
Who is eligible to apply for funding from ACT?
Professional artists (individuals), groups and organisations involved in the creation of arts, cultural or heritage work are eligible. Proposed projects must take place in or have relevance to South Africa and applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents of South Africa.
Which activities will be considered for funding?
Projects should fall within one or more of the following five areas of development to be eligible for funding: job creation; creative skills development; management skills development; promotion of cultural diversity, cultural tourism (the expansion of local and international markets for South African arts and culture). ACT considers applications in all the following disciplines:
- Arts Administration
- Arts Education
- Community Art
- Heritage
- Craft
- Visual Arts
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Literature
- Multi-disciplinary (e.g. festivals)
Criteria according to which requests for funding will be evaluated include:
- The artistic and cultural merit of the project;
- The impact the project will make in its focus area;
- The developmental aspect of the project;
- Sustainability;
- Capacity in terms of management and financial skills; and
- The profile of the project in the public domain.
- Due regard will be given to rural and urban-based communities across South Africa.
ACT does not fund:
As funds are intended to help individual artists or organisations pursue professional development, independent artistic creation or production ACT does not fund the following:
- Expenses related to starting a business or capital costs, such as the purchase of office equipment, hardware, software, catering etc.
- International travel
- Film, video and new media
- Bursaries for individuals
- Candidates cannot apply for funding for work already completed.
How much may be requested?
This depends on the nature and scope of your project and the funds ACT has available for disbursement.
Who decides who will receive a grant?
Applications are referred to the ACT Projects Committee who then make recommendations to the ACT Board of Trustees. For a listing of the current Board click here.