Media accreditation is now open for the National Arts Festival

In 2015, the National Arts Festival will focus on satire and freedom of expression and in its 41^st year has a main programme that will pay homage to some of the country’s most important living and past legends.

Interested journalists should go to the National Arts Festival website – www.nationalartsfestival.co.za, and apply for accreditation via the Media Centre (top right link). They are encouraged to complete all fields, and note that application does not necessarily mean automatic accreditation. The media office will confirm receipt of applications with all media who have completed their forms.

At the Festival, accredited media will receive press passes, and will have access to the media office; kitted out with workstations, internet access, telephone facilities, and access to production photographs and information where available. Interviews with artists can also be set up through the Festival’s media liaison team. Media accreditation benefits include the opportunity to apply for a limited number of complimentary tickets to review performances on the Main, Arena and Fringe programmes. Media must note that a press pass alone does not guarantee access to shows. All media, including photographers and TV crews, are required to request tickets in advance for all the shows they would like to attend.

The Festival has changed its booking system and is no longer using Computicket. This also means that many of the ‘backend’ systems have undergone changes. Once accreditation has been approved, media are encouraged to submit their ticket requests to [email protected] as soon as possible, on the template provided by the media office. Instructions will be given with confirmation of accreditation. Allocations will be made on a first come-first served basis, so journalists are encouraged to get their requests in as soon as possible.

The online programme is available for download from the Festival’s website. Hard copies of the booklet will be available in selected Standard Bank and Exclusive Books branches from Monday, 11 May.

Potential Festival goers are encouraged to browse the Festival website for travel tips, and accommodation options in the Eastern Cape Cacadu District.

Media who will not be attending, but would like to receive information about the Festival, should contact the media office via [email protected]

For more information, visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook and on Twitter.