Funding remains one of the biggest barriers facing South African creatives. Whether you’re developing a film, writing your first children’s story, pitching a new theatre production or looking for an international platform for your music, finding the right opportunity often feels like a full-time job in itself.
To save you some scrolling, we’ve rounded up a selection of opportunities currently open to South African creatives across film, television, theatre, music, writing and journalism. Some offer funding, others offer mentorship, industry access or international exposure, but all are worth having on your radar this winter.
NFVF Production and Development Funding
For filmmakers, this is one of the biggest opportunities currently on the table.
The National Film and Video Foundation’s latest funding call is open to South African filmmakers, producers and screenwriters seeking support for projects in development or production. Whether you’re refining a script, preparing for principal photography or looking to take a project to the next stage, NFVF funding remains one of the country’s most significant pathways into the industry.
Who it’s for: South African filmmakers, producers, directors and screenwriters.
Deadline: 6 July 2026
Apply here: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Connections Through Culture Grants
Great creative work is often sparked by the exchange of ideas, perspectives and experiences, and the British Council’s Connections Through Culture programme is built around supporting those connections.
The grant supports collaborations between South African and UK-based creatives, funding projects that span disciplines including design, music, visual arts, digital culture, fashion and creative technology.
For artists looking to build international relationships or develop work beyond local borders, this is one of the more accessible global opportunities currently available.
Who it’s for: South African creatives, collectives and organisations collaborating with UK-based partners.
Deadline: 12 August 2026
Apply here: https://arts.britishcouncil.org/connections-through-culture
Babel Music XP 2027 Showcase
International showcases can be difficult to access, particularly for independent artists. Babel Music XP offers a rare opportunity to perform in front of festival programmers, booking agents and industry professionals from around the world.
Selected artists receive accommodation, meals, accreditation and artist fees, making it one of the more practical routes into the international music circuit.
Who it’s for: Musicians and bands working in world music, jazz, folk and related genres.
Deadline: 19 July 2026
Apply here: https://babelmusicxp.com/en/call-for-artists/
Teksmark 2026
Every successful theatre production starts with a script, but getting that script into the right hands is often the challenge.
Teksmark has spent years connecting playwrights with producers, directors and theatre-makers, helping new works move from concept to stage. If you’ve been sitting on a script idea, this could be the opportunity that gets it in front of the people who can help bring it to life.
Who it’s for: South African playwrights.
Deadline: 17 July 2026
Apply here: https://www.kknk.co.za/en/teksmark-2026/
Longhope TV Writing Project
Breaking into television writing can feel impossible without industry connections. The Longhope TV Writing Project exists to change that.
The programme combines mentorship, residential development and practical industry experience through a three-month internship placement, giving emerging writers direct exposure to the realities of working in television.
Who it’s for: Emerging South African screenwriters.
Deadline: 3 July 2026
Apply here: https://jgf.org.za/application-television-script/
Nal’ibali Children’s Story Competition
South Africa’s storytelling traditions are vast, but children’s literature in indigenous languages remains underrepresented.
Nal’ibali’s annual call for stories invites writers to create original work for young readers, with selected entries receiving cash prizes and publication opportunities.
Who it’s for: South African writers creating stories for children aged six to eleven.
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Apply here: https://nalibali.org/a-call-for-stories/
African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award
Good investigative journalism remains some of the most important work being produced on the continent.
The African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award recognises reporting that uncovers hidden truths, holds power accountable and contributes to public understanding. Alongside cash prizes, finalists receive recognition from one of Africa’s most respected journalism platforms.
Who it’s for: African journalists and media teams.
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Apply here: https://aijc.africa/aijc-african-investigative-journalist-of-the-year-award/
The creative landscape is constantly shifting, with new spaces opening for people to develop, collaborate and share their work. Staying connected to these opportunities is part of navigating the industry.
