National Arts Festival in Makhanda Opens Search for Artistic Director
The deadline for submitting applications for the Artistic Director role at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, is 30 October 2026. This position offers a five-year renewable contract and requires direct communication with the CEO. The role encompasses curatorial identity, programming strategy, and enhancing Makhanda's status as a contemporary African center. Responsibilities span theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and more, along with managing commissions, artist relations, and global partnerships. Mentorship, touring pathways, and collaborations are key focuses. Applicants should present a long-term curatorial vision, familiarity with contemporary African practices, and experience in budget oversight and fundraising. Only online applications through the official form will be accepted, in line with the festival's Employment Equity policies.
Key facts
- The National Arts Festival is hiring an Artistic Director on a five-year renewable contract
- Applications close 30 October 2026 via the festival's official online form only
- The role is based in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and reports to the Chief Executive Officer
- Programming spans theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual arts, literature, film, digital arts and interdisciplinary practice
- Responsibilities include the Fringe programme, an NAF New Works programme, an Artist Development Fund and touring pathways
- The Artistic Director chairs an Artistic Committee of practising artists, curators and sector specialists
- The festival has run for more than five decades and aims to strengthen its standing over the next 50 years
- Collaboration with Rhodes University on year-round programming is part of the role
Entities
Institutions
- National Arts Festival
- Rhodes University
- Artafrica Magazine
Locations
- Makhanda
- South Africa
- Eastern Cape