By Staff Reporter

Windhoek’s streets and public spaces will once again be transformed into live stages and open-air galleries as the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) returns for its fifth edition from 31 October to 01 November 2025.
The festival, jointly hosted by the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) and the Goethe-Institut Namibia, has officially opened its Call for Pitches, inviting Namibian artists and creatives to submit proposals for innovative, small-scale projects that celebrate art in public spaces.

This year’s theme, “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through the Arts,” sets the tone for works that are bold, honest, and rooted in community.

“OLAF continues its commitment in bringing art into the streets and shared spaces of Windhoek,” said Festival Co-director Nelago Shilongoh. “We’re looking for site-specific works that reflect our communities' cultural diversity and creative spirit.”
Artists working in performance, visual arts, or interdisciplinary mediums are encouraged to apply. Proposals must be family-friendly, public space-ready, and open to people from all walks of life. Selected artists will receive financial support, production guidance, and promotion to help bring their ideas to life.

Co-director Michelle Namases described the theme as an invitation for creative risk-taking: “It is a chance for artists to dig deep and bring forward raw, joyful, or even uncomfortable ideas whatever feels real to them.”
Pitching sessions will be held both online and in person. Online pitches are scheduled for 17 July by appointment, while walk-in sessions will happen on 18 and 19 July at the NTN Green Room. All applicants must submit their application forms by 14 July to be considered.

Now in its fifth year, OLAF has grown into a vital platform for experimental art and cultural storytelling in Namibia. By taking art out of traditional venues and into everyday public spaces, the festival continues to engage diverse audiences and nurture a spirit of inclusion, playfulness, and local pride.