The National Arts Festival is an annual arts festival held in South Africa. It is one of the largest and most important arts festivals on the African continent, and has been held annually in the city of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) since 1974. The festival is a celebration of the performing and visual arts, and features a diverse range of productions including theatre, dance, music, visual art, and film.
The festival takes place over eleven days in June/July each year, and attracts thousands of artists and visitors from around the world. It provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work, and features a curated programme of both South African and international productions. In addition to the official programme, the festival also includes a fringe programme, which allows artists to present their work in a more informal setting.
The National Arts Festival is known for its commitment to promoting diversity, innovation, and artistic excellence, and has played a key role in shaping the cultural landscape of South Africa.