OUR PROJECTS
Project One
Heritage Week
Heritage Week is an annual celebration that promotes Namibia’s diverse cultural heritage. It encourages communities to engage in cultural activities, showcase traditions, and highlight the importance of heritage preservation. Various cultural institutions, museums, and schools take part by organizing exhibitions, traditional storytelling sessions, craft-making workshops, and culinary showcases of indigenous foods. The week also serves as an educational platform where elders share knowledge with younger generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices. The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) supports the initiative through funding, advocacy, and coordination with cultural institutions to ensure broad participation and impactful programming. In addition, NACN collaborates with government entities, media houses, and private sponsors to enhance visibility and outreach. The event incorporates digital platforms, enabling remote communities to participate and share their cultural narratives through virtual storytelling, social media campaigns, and online exhibitions.
Project two
City of Windhoek Jazz Festival
The City of Windhoek Jazz Festival is a premier music event that brings together local and international jazz artists. It provides a platform for jazz musicians to showcase their talent while promoting cultural tourism and entertainment in Windhoek. The festival features live jazz performances, instrumental workshops, and networking sessions with industry professionals. Emerging artists get the opportunity to perform alongside seasoned musicians, fostering mentorship and skills development. The NACN plays a role in supporting Namibian jazz artists through grants and professional development initiatives, helping them gain exposure and industry recognition. The festival also includes panel discussions on the evolution of jazz in Africa, masterclasses for music students, and collaborations with regional and international jazz organizations. Additionally, NACN partners with tourism agencies to create jazz-related tourism experiences, such as guided jazz history tours, interactive music sessions, and cultural market spaces for local artisans to sell handcrafted goods.
Project Two
Katutura Fashion Week
Katutura Fashion Week is a platform dedicated to celebrating Namibian fashion, showcasing emerging and established designers. The event includes runway shows, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for creatives in the fashion industry. It serves as an incubator for young designers, providing them with exposure, industry insights, and access to markets. Apart from high-energy fashion shows, the event features workshops on sustainable fashion, fabric innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fashion sector. The NACN provides funding support, capacity-building opportunities, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the fashion sector as a key component of the creative economy. Through international collaborations, Katutura Fashion Week also facilitates exchange programs where Namibian designers can showcase their work abroad and gain experience from global fashion hubs. Additionally, the event includes community engagement initiatives, such as mentorship programs for aspiring designers, fashion photography training, and business skills development sessions aimed at fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
Project Four
Ma/Gaisa Festival
The Ma/Gaisa Festival is a celebration of Namibia’s unique Ma/Gaisa music genre, also known as “Nama Stap.” The festival features live performances by top Ma/Gaisa artists, cultural displays, and dance showcases. It provides a space for artists to preserve and innovate within the genre, incorporating contemporary elements while honoring its traditional roots. The event includes interactive workshops where musicians share their expertise in songwriting, performance techniques, and stage presence. The NACN contributes by supporting artists through grants, facilitating training opportunities, and promoting the festival as part of its commitment to preserving and advancing Namibia’s musical heritage. Additionally, NACN helps in organizing collaborations between Ma/Gaisa artists and musicians from other genres, expanding the reach and evolution of the music. The festival also features storytelling sessions that trace the historical and cultural significance of Ma/Gaisa, providing deeper insights into its role in Namibian identity. Local businesses and vendors are encouraged to participate, creating economic opportunities for artisans, food vendors, and entrepreneurs within the festival environment.
Project Five
Otjomuise Arts Festival
OTAF is a multidisciplinary arts festival that highlights the creative industries in Windhoek. It includes theatre performances, music concerts, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. The festival serves as a melting pot for various art forms, bringing together visual artists, filmmakers, poets, and performers to engage with audiences through dynamic presentations. It also provides opportunities for collaboration between artists from different disciplines, leading to innovative cross-genre projects. The NACN is involved in strengthening the festival’s programming through funding, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives for artists, ensuring its long-term sustainability and impact. Additionally, the festival incorporates youth-focused programs, such as school outreach projects and mentorship programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of artists. Digital engagement is also a key component, with live-streamed performances, virtual galleries, and online discussions broadening the festival’s accessibility. To enhance economic impact, OTAF partners with local businesses, offering sponsorship packages, pop-up market spaces, and advertising opportunities, ultimately reinforcing the arts as a vital part of Namibia’s creative economy.
