The Main Programme of the National Arts Festival is the curated selection of productions that form the core of the festival. It features a range of performances across multiple disciplines, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and film, and showcases the work of established and emerging artists from South Africa and around the world.

The Main Programme is curated by a team of artistic directors, who select productions based on artistic merit, innovation, and relevance to the festival's themes and objectives. The programme typically includes a mix of new and established works, and aims to reflect the diversity and richness of contemporary arts and culture.

The Main Programme of the National Arts Festival is highly respected and prestigious, and being selected to perform as part of the programme is a significant achievement for artists and companies. The festival provides a valuable platform for artists to showcase their work to a large and diverse audience, and can often lead to increased exposure, critical acclaim, and future opportunities.