Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024 has began their annual search for South Africa’s new artistic talent. The competition has served as a symbol for unrestricted creativity and artistic exploration in the country’s Visual Arts community for 34 years. The slogan for the Sasol New Signatures 2024 campaign is Articulate. The concept celebrates the universal human desire for self-expression and connection while showcasing how art can transcend language, culture, time, and background barriers. This theme therefore allows emerging artists to express their ideas and connect with others in infinite ways.
The competition welcomes entries from all South African artists who are 18 years and older and have not yet had a solo exhibition. Artists who have had a solo exhibition for academic purposes (such as a Master’s degree exhibition) are also eligible to enter. Entries are accepted in various artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video art, and installations. Artists are encouraged to submit artworks crafted in unique styles and unconventional techniques that defy traditional boundaries and expectations.
The competition’s requirements are available on the Sasol New Signatures website. Artists who are looking to apply are also encouraged to be on the lookout for informative online sessions which will be hosted by Pfunzo Sidogi (Chairperson) and Cate Terblanche (Sasol Art Curator) where they will be discussing various important aspects relating to the competition in the coming weeks. and artmaking in general.
Artists can apply across several collection points throughout the country such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Durban, and Polokwane. This year introduces an exciting development with the addition of a new collection point in Potchefstroom. This will give emerging artists from the greater North-West Province region an avenue to showcase their talent and underscores the competition’s commitment to developing and celebrating the visual arts in all parts of the country. The winners of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on Wednesday, the 4th of September 2024. The winner will receive R100 000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. The runner-up will receive R25 000, and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10 000.
