After celebrating, in 2014, four decades of superb programming, vibrant creativity, courageous experimentation, dynamic international collaborations and a passion for celebrating excellence, the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown is calling for proposals for the 2015 Main programme. The Festival will run from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 12 July 2015.

“We are looking for compelling performances, exhibitions and cross-disciplinary works that raise the bar of excellence and innovation; proposals that interrogate our past and our present, that facilitate social change and celebrate our common humanity, and that build a more socially cohesive society,” elaborates the Festival’s Artistic Director, Ismail Mahomed.

“Historical events such as the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s constitutional democracy and the National Arts Festival’s 40th anniversary were catalysts shaping the 2014 programme. Next year also offers dynamic opportunities to reflect on major social shifts in South Africa and the rest of the world, with the intention of creating a programme that critiques and celebrates our humanity and stretches the boundaries of artistic practice,” Mahomed continued.

Artists, companies and presenters can download a proposal brief from the Festival’s website. Proposals must reach the Artistic Director no later than Friday 15 August 2014. All proposals must be submitted as per the proposal brief that is available on the Festival’s website staging.codelikeclockwork.com/naf2015. Enquiries should be addressed to the Artistic Director, Ismail Mahomed, on 046 603 1103 or by email at ismail@nationalartsfestival.co.za.

Winners of the Standard Bank Ovation Awards will receive written invitations to submit proposals for the 2015 Arena programme.

Fringe applications will be available in October 2014 and registration will close on Friday 16 January 2015. Forms and information booklets will be available on-line at staging.codelikeclockwork.com/naf2015. Enquiries should be addressed to the Fringe Manager, Zikhona Nweba, on 046 603 1177 or by email at zee@nationalartsfestival.co.za.