The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has announced the successful recipients of its 2025 Cycle One grant disbursement. 

The have awarded a total of N$330 733.34 to 12 artists and cultural practitioners across the country.

In a continued celebration of arts as a force for transformation and national development, the NACN’s 2024/25 Grant Period Cycle One reaffirms its dedication to empowering Namibia’s creative and cultural sectors. 

The 12 successful applicants were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, with each project demonstrating alignment with the council’s key strategic focus areas.

These areas include enhancing social protection and artistic research; showcasing indigenous and rural arts; addressing issues such as unemployment and gender-based violence; promoting inclusion of youth, women and persons with disabilities; using digital platforms for new artistic works as well as advancing arts entrepreneurship and capacity-building.

The grant recipients for this cycle are MDA Festival from Khomas, House of Poulton Fashion Design (Khomas), Shihoro  Fashion Design (Kavango East), The Namibian Music Ensemble (Khomas), Harry T. Tlabanello – visual arts (Erongo) and Erna Nasiwa Hausiku – fashion design (Kavango East).

The other beneficiaries are Ndara Kavindi – craft (Kavango East), Josefine Kasupi – craft (Khomas), Angelika Eichas – craft (Khomas), Petra Naruses – craft (Khomas), Ingrid Eichas – craft (Hardap), Frans T. Mberema Cultural Group – dance (Kavango West).

“This grant cycle sets the tone for a year focused on impact-driven support. We are proud to back initiatives that foster creativity, inclusivity and resilience in our arts sector,” Gretta Gaspar, administrator of the NACN, said.

The Cycle One grant supports a wide variety of disciplines – from fashion design and music to craft, dance and visual arts. 

The projects, drawn from regions including Khomas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Erongo and Hardap, reflect a vibrant and evolving creative community that contributes to cultural preservation and contemporary expression.

Administered under the National Arts Fund Act (No. 1 of 2005), the NACN operates the National Arts Fund, a government initiative aimed at promoting traditional and contemporary Namibian arts, especially in underserved communities. 

In addition to funding, the NACN is committed to improving the grant application process and expanding platforms such as national festivals to help creative practitioners thrive.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on Namibia’s cultural landscape. By investing in our artists, we are investing in the soul and future of our nation,” added Gaspar.