SBYA 2026

Published on March 30, 2026

Bronwyn Katz VISUAL ARTS Creating sculptural and installation works that explore language, memory and land through a deeply personal and speculative lens, Bronwyn Katz is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Arts. At the heart of her practice is an imagined creole language—an evolving system of notation that translates gesture, sound and embodied

About Us

Published on March 16, 2026

The Monument houses multiple venues including the spectacular 1000-seat Guy Butler Theatre and serves as the festival’s operational heart. It’s also home to the Grahamstown Foundation, National Schools Festival, English Olympiad and other year-round programmes.  The Monument was born out of a quest for cultural preservation, The 1820’s Settler’s Foundation settled on the creation of

About the Young Artist Awards

Published on March 16, 2026

The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards The Young Artist Awards, sponsored by Standard Bank, are presented by the National Arts Festival Artistic Committee to emerging, relatively young South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen fields but who have not yet achieved national exposure and acclaim. Festival Committee members, fellow artists and

Timeline

Published on March 16, 2026

The Festival in a Changing World 19741974 1974The inaugural Festival celebrated the official opening and dedication of the 1820 Settlers Monument Building. Operating as a living monument to the cultural heritage of all South Africans, the building contains numerous venues, from a spectacular 1000 seater auditorium to small meeting rooms, including a fully functional kitchen,

Sponsors and Partners

Published on March 16, 2026

The National Arts Festival would not be possible without the commitment of our partners and sponsors. PRESENTING SPONSORS The Province of the Eastern Cape The Province of the Eastern Cape and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has been a valued sponsor of the National Arts Festival since 2002. Our partnership

Projects and Programmes

Published on March 16, 2026

Projects of the National Arts Festival The National Arts Festival is produced by the National Arts Festival company, which also produces a host of festivals, events and programmes throughout the year. These projects include: The National Arts Festival Founded in 1974, the National Arts Festival was the founding project of the National Arts Festival company.

Experience The Festival

Published on March 16, 2026

Experience The Festival Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is a beautiful, historic town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape — and every winter, it transforms into the vibrant heart of the arts world. For eleven days each year, its streets, theatres, halls and open spaces become alive with creativity as the National Arts Festival unfolds. Artists and audiences

Take Part

Published on March 16, 2026

Be Part of the Festival The National Arts Festival is Africa’s most significant annual cultural event, offering a robust platform for both established and emerging artists across all disciplines. Participating provides unparalleled visibility, critical engagement, and access to industry networks. There are a number of clear paths to participation in the Festival Programme. The Curated

Fringe Branding Guidelines

Published on March 16, 2026

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about the fringe

Published on August 12, 2023

The Festival Fringe The Fringe Programme is an uncurated platform open to artists from anywhere in the world to present work across any genre, language, format or content. Fringe artists pay a registration fee, and bring the work to the Festival by their own means. The National Arts Festival Fringe is characterised by a diverse

Protected: Droomwerk – Recording

Published on July 31, 2023

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Protected: Castaways – Recording

Published on July 31, 2023

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Protected: Don’t Let the Sun Set on You Here – Recording

Published on July 31, 2023

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Protected: Dog Rose – Recording

Published on July 31, 2023

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Protected: Hatched – Recording

Published on July 31, 2023

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Protected: Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars | SBYA THEATRE – Recording

Published on July 26, 2023

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