Gallery 1957 recently announced an extension of the deadline for the 2024 Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize 2024 . When the gallery publicised the fourth edition of the prize, the deadline was set for the 16th of September. However, the gallery has now extended the deadline to the 3rd of October.
Marwan Zakhem, founder of Gallery 1957 launched the first edition of the Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize in 2021. He stated that the gallery recognised the need to uplift women artists in Ghana. Hence, this prize presents an opportunity for changing the status quo.
The gallery named the prize after Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of the Ejisu dominion in the Ashanti Empire. In Ghana, people recall Yaa Asantewaa as the woman who led Ashanti Kings in the War of the Golden Stool against the British colonial troops. Her show of resistance in the face of oppression birthed a legacy that is highly revered. Being a symbol of female empowerment, Yaa Asantewaa’s name is perfect for an initiative that focuses on women empowerment.
The first place winner of the third edition, Lois Selasie Arde-Acquah is currently an artist-in-residence at Gallery 1957. Additionally, she will have a solo exhibition at the gallery during Accra Cultural Week in October.
While anticipating her solo exhibition, she has contributed to the gallery’s “Constellations” group exhibitions. This includes the ongoing “Constellations Part 2: Figures in Webs and Ripples of Space” exhibition. All these perks are attached to a cash prize of GH₵50,000.
Fortunately, the first place winner is not the only one snatching up a cash prize. The first runner-up and second runner-up will receive GH₵30,000 and GH₵20,000 respectively.
Jury Panel
This year’s edition of the Yaa Asantewaa Prize has a jury panel consisting of six jurists. Notably, the jurists are persons of international acclaim and great repute in the African art scene.
The jurists are; Godfried Donkor (Multi-disciplinary Artist), Touria El Glaoui (Founding Director of 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair), Ekow Eshun (Writer and Curator), Margaux Huille (Director of Fondation H), Koyo Kouoh (Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and Founding Artistic Director of RAW Material Company), and Marie-Cecile Zinsou (Art Historian, Curator, Author and Founder of Fondation Zinsou).
Eligibility and Submission Requirements
The Yaa Asantewaa prize is open only to Ghanaian women artists in Ghana or women of Ghanaian descent living abroad (diaspora). To qualify, your submission entries must include the following:
– Artist Bio and Statement: A bio of up to 200 words stating who you are, where you are from, where you live, where you have schooled (schooling does not have to be formal or directly related to art) and a concise story of your artistic journey.
– Portfolio: Up to 6 high resolution photos/videos/media links of your artworks including a full caption of the title, date, medium, and measurements.
– You should save all documents in pdf format.
– Send in your submissions via email to applications@gallery1957.com. You may contact tatyana@gallery1957.com with any queries.
