By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.
“Adjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.
“These projects are in line with the department’s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.
“Owing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.
“On 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 – March 2026,” said Tlhapi.
The Guardian 