Funding for Creative Students
The National Arts Council of Namibia awarded ten bursaries worth over N$500 000 to students pursuing Arts and Culture studies this academic year. Allocated through the country’s Subsidised Education Funding Model, the initiative prioritises equitable access to tertiary education while building national creative capacity.
Recipients will study across leading institutions, including NUST, the University of Pretoria, University of Namibia, Zurich University of the Arts, and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. The fields range from Heritage Conservation and Cultural Critique to Architecture, Professional Acting, and 3D Animation; disciplines essential to strengthening Namibia’s cultural and creative industries.
At NUST, this national investment aligns seamlessly with a mission to turn artistic potential into professional impact. Head of the Digital Arts and Animation department, Jordaania Andima, says the department is actively translating the vision of the National Arts Council of Namibia into real industry outcomes. “We bring the Council’s vision to life through industry-based training, strong storytelling, and the development of student portfolios,” she explains, noting that courses are “benchmarked against international institutions, yet tailored to address the unique needs of Namibia’s creative industry.”
She emphasises that inclusion remains central to this approach. “We understand that creative talent is not always reflected in academic scores,” Andima notes, pointing to efforts that support working creatives, students from marginalised backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and gifted storytellers with authentic local voices.
As global audiences seek original African narratives, NUST is ensuring Namibia is ready to deliver. “Culture means identity, oral tradition, indigenous knowledge, language, values, and shared memories,” she says. “As the world looks for authentic African stories, we see an opportunity.”
As the first university in the country to offer short courses in 2D and 3D animation and children’s TV scriptwriting, NUST is preparing to launch Namibia’s first Bachelor’s degree in Digital Arts and Animation. With partners such as the Namibia Film Commission and MultiChoice Namibia, Andima says the goal is simple but powerful: “To tell our own stories through animation, film, and digital media.”
