Top art job of Artistic Director of National Arts Festival up for the grabs
By Edward Tsumele
One of the art jobs is up for grabs -Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival.
NAF has cast its net wide, inviting applications from those who feel that they have what it takes to steer the country’s national arts showcase’s artistic vision.
The NAF, which takes place annually in Makhanda, and has over the years become the country’s biggest arts festival, attracting interest globally, has gone big this time in searching for a suitable candidate for this top job, including circulating advertisement on social media and approaching publications to spread this news, “inviting dynamic, highly networked candidates” to apply for a five-year renewable-term contract.
“The Artistic Director sets the artistic vision and curatorial identity of the Festival. The role is to make NAF the leading contemporary African arts festival of the next 50 years, defined by quality, relevance, discovery and international reach.
The Artistic Director forms part of NAF’s executive leadership and shares accountability with the CEO for the Festival’s creative agenda. This covers programme quality, commissioning, artist relationships, the Fringe, Young Artists and international artistic exchange. The Artistic Director also chairs the Artistic Committee, a group of practising artists, curators and sector experts who advise on programme selection, recognition and artistic standards,” says NAF in a media statement released to media houses on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
“The Artistic Director builds the soul of the Festival,” says NAF CEO, Palesa Kadi. “We are looking for a curator with a clear point of view, deep roots in the African arts community and strong international networks. We also seek a leader who will open the Festival to new voices. This is a chance to shape what Makhanda means to artists and audiences for decades to come.”
All applications must be submitted through the online application form – https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/news/naf-artistic-director-vacancy/ by 30 October 2026.
