The NACF arts grants 16 projects supported from 20 applications received this funding round, the National Arts and Culture Fund has announced, providing crucial financial support for a diverse range of cultural initiatives across the Seychelles.
This round of NACF arts grants supporting 16 projects reinforces the government’s commitment to fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and developing the creative economy under President Ramkalawan’s administration. This funding round represents one of the most competitive in the fund’s history, with an impressive 80 per cent success rate that reflects both the considerable depth of talent within the local arts sector and the growing demand for financial support from artists, writers, musicians, and cultural organisations across the islands. The NACF arts grants supporting 16 projects demonstrate the remarkable breadth of the fund’s reach across disciplines.
Supported initiatives include NACF arts grants 16 projects supports cultural heritage preservation projects that document and protect traditional practices and knowledge systems, the development of Creole educational books to support mother-tongue learning in Seychelles schools, sponsorship of local arts and cultural events across the islands, the launch of the book Memwar Lesklavaz by author Reuban Lespoir, support for a Seychellois artist to participate in the prestigious Venice Biennale international art exhibition, a Recontres Creole musical collaboration bringing together musicians from across the Indian Ocean region, funding for the Mahe Chamber Choir, and assistance for delegates attending the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education in Abu Dhabi. The NACF arts grants supporting 16 projects encompass a wide variety of artistic disciplines and audience types.
The National Arts and Culture Fund was established to channel dedicated resources into the creative economy, The NACF arts grants supporting 16 projects this cycle demonstrates the fund commitment to cultural development, recognising that arts and culture are vital to national identity, social cohesion, and sustainable economic development. Previous funding rounds have successfully supported festivals, art exhibitions, book publications, and educational programmes across the islands, building a strong track record of measurable impact and community benefit. The fund operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and is managed by a committee of experts drawn from across the cultural sector, ensuring that decisions are informed by professional knowledge.
The inclusion of prestigious international events such as the Venice Biennale and the UNESCO conference positions Seychellois artists and cultural practitioners on a global stage, fostering valuable cultural exchange and international recognition for the islands’ creative talents. The Creole educational books project addresses a critical gap in local-language learning materials, preserving linguistic heritage and supporting the national curriculum for generations of students. Heritage preservation projects will ensure that traditional knowledge and cultural practices are carefully documented and safeguarded for future generations to study, appreciate, and build upon.
Successful applicants have expressed gratitude for the financial boost, noting that it allows them to focus on creative work rather than fundraising and administrative burdens. The fund’s administrators praised the quality and diversity of proposals received and encouraged more applicants in future funding cycles, particularly from young and emerging artists who may benefit from mentorship and professional development support alongside financial assistance through the programme.
NACF arts grants 16 projects reaffirms the high value placed on culture in the Seychelles and ensures that the arts continue to thrive, evolve, and reach new audiences for generations to come. The successful projects are expected to deliver their outcomes over the coming months, with public showcases, exhibitions, and performances planned throughout 2025 across Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, bringing the benefits of this funding to communities nationwide.
Credit: NACF — nacf.sc
Photo source: Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts — snich.sc
