National Arts and Culture Awards to honour excellence in arts, culture and heritage sectors

'Waar Bloed Nie Loop Nie' by Mellaney Roberts. "This body of work arises from an open-ended question. The making begins with contemplating my lineage, my ancestral knowledge and ultimately my becoming. Through the work, I explore themes of home, identity, land, heritage, and the collective memory of the Baviaanskloof Coloured community."

Discover the nominees for the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA), a prestigious event celebrating the best in South Africa's arts, culture, and heritage sectors." (85%)

Presented under the NACA 2026 theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence,” the Awards recognise excellence across South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sectors, while placing emphasis on three interconnected areas: talent, the business of the creative sector and nation building.

This recognises not only artistic achievement, but also the contribution of the sector to livelihoods and enterprise, cultural preservation, social cohesion and South Africa’s national identity.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said: “The National Arts and Culture Awards celebrate those who keep our stories alive and our heritage strong. As we mark 30 years of our Constitution, we are reminded that arts and culture are not a luxury. They are who we are, what brings us together, and what inspires the South Africa we want to build.”

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, added: “Culture is where our identity lives. These Awards shine a light on the artists, creatives and institutions whose work connects generations, strengthens our communities and keeps the spirit of South Africa alive.”

The DSAC announced the first nominees for Heritage, Visual Arts and Craft opening a phased series of category announcements.