The Eastern Cape Government has officially opened the 49th edition of the National Arts Festival (NAF) on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in Makhanda
The provincial government contributed more than R14 million to this year’s NAF and the financial contribution is part of governments commitment to support the arts community, particularly those that come from the province, to showcase their talent in this National and International highly regarded NAF platform.
This year’s the festival is celebrating its 49th year in existence and one can expect to be blown away by the immense talent that will be displayed in more than 2400 performances in the eleven days, covering every genre from theatre, to dance, to comedy, jazz, classical music, family theatre, film and more. It is South Africa’s most vibrant and diverse festival, giving life to the phrase “there is something for everybody.”
2023 marks the 21st year of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture’s support of the festival and part of the financial injection, is set to fund the Eastern Cape’s showcase for the artistic categories such as, Visual Arts and Craft, Lit fest (Literature Festival), EC Indigenous Dance and Music Ensemble, Official Opening, EC Jazz Festival (Previously known as Dakawa Jazz), Fingo Festival, Homestay Project and the Film Festival.