A practical guide for SA creatives on where to find grants, residencies and funding platforms in 2026.
Most creatives don’t struggle because there are no opportunities. They struggle because they don’t know where to find them. That is why Between 10and5 decided to do the research for you and to put this nifty list together.
Top tip: Instead of waiting for opportunities to find you, make it a habit to…
- Check the right platforms
- Track deadlines
- Keep your portfolio ready
- Apply, even when you feel unsure
Most creative careers are not built from one big break. They are built from consistency and staying connected to the ecosystem. The secret is that it often takes much longer to achieve success than one thinks when you start out.
Start Here: National Funding Platforms
National Arts Council (NAC)
www.nac.org.za
Funding cycles: January to February and July to August
Tip: Set calendar reminders. Most artists start preparing too late.
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
www.dsac.gov.za
Main funding window: May to June
Tip: Projects with clear community impact are more competitive.
VANSA. The Visual Arts Network of South Africa.
https://vansa.co.za/arts-opportunities/
Great community to search for a variety of opportunities, including funding, competitions, education and jobs in the art world.
BASA. Business Arts South Africa.
https://basa.co.za/
The BASA Supporting Grant programme, funded by the Department of Arts and Culture, helps businesses and the arts work together in ways that benefit both.
For International Opportunities
Pro Helvetia Johannesburg
www.prohelvetia.org/en/where-we-work/johannesburg
Deadlines: 1 March, 1 June, 1 September, 1 December
Tip: Check their site at the start of every quarter.
British Council South Africa
www.britishcouncil.org.za
Watch for calls: March to May
Tip: Follow their social media. Calls open and close quickly.
For Residencies and Studio Time
Bag Factory Artists’ Studios
www.bagfactoryart.org.za
Applications: September to October (for the following year)
Tip: Show your process, not only finished work.
Rijksakademie (Netherlands)
www.rijksakademie.nl
Deadline: 1 October each year
Tip: It is competitive, but South African artists are selected regularly.
For Photography and Visual Storytelling
Market Photo Workshop
www.marketphotoworkshop.co.za
Applications: October to November
Tip: Strong storytelling matters more than expensive equipment.
For Collaborative or Experimental Projects
Goethe-Institut South Africa
www.goethe.de/southafrica
Watch for calls: April to June
Tip: Interdisciplinary and socially engaged work fits well here.
For Digital and New Media Creatives
Fak’ugesi Digital Africa
www.fakugesi.co.za
Open call: May to June | Festival in September
Tip: Ideal for work connected to digital culture, gaming, AI or design.
For Pan-African Funding
African Culture Fund (ACF)
www.africanculturefund.net
Open call: February to March
Tip: They prioritise projects that strengthen the creative sector.
Make Opportunity a Habit
Opportunities rarely come from luck. They come from showing up consistently. As they say, ‘the rhythm will set you free’. In this case the habit of continuously trying and applying for more opportunities will help you build your reputation, gain experience and visibility and make connections that will open up more opportunities again.
The more regularly you check these platforms, the less opportunity feels like something you are chasing. It becomes part of your practice.
If this list feels overwhelming, start small:
- Bookmark two platforms
- Set monthly reminders
- Keep your portfolio, bio and CV updated
You do not have to apply for everything. You just have to stay ready.
In the art world, momentum comes from knowing where to look and showing up when the opportunity comes knocking.
