The National Arts Festival, Grahamstown is now accepting applications for Fringe productions wanting to take part in the 2014 edition of the Festival. The Festival will take place from 3 to 13 July 2014.

The National Arts Festival Fringe is unique in South Africa in that no selection criteria are applied – participation in the Fringe is open to everyone. The Fringe has mushroomed in size since its inception in 1979 when a diminutive 10 events comprised the Fringe – it now consistently boasts over 350 events across all the arts genres. Disciplines include children’s theatre, film, comedy, drama, physical theatre, dance, cabaret, visual art, performance poetry, music theatre, and the full scope of music genres.

“The 2014 edition of the Festival promises to be a particularly exciting one, with the 40^th anniversary of the Festival coinciding with our country marking 20 years of democracy. As always, we’re looking forward to programming a diverse selection of productions, and we’re on hand to help with any queries that artists might have before the closing date,” Fringe Manager Zee Nweba said.

Application for the 2014 Fringe can be submitted, via the Festival’s website – staging.codelikeclockwork.com/naf2015 from Thursday, 31 October. Interested artists, performers, directors and producers can also request application forms and information booklets from the Fringe Office by email – fringe@nationalartsfestival.co.za, telephone – 046 603 1103, or fax – 086 233 2119. The deadline for registration is Friday 17 January 2014.

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