Leading Pan-African art competition, Absa L’Atelier has officially announced the opening of entries for its 2024 art competition, marking the commencement of yet another exciting chapter in the vibrant world of African art.
For 37 years, Absa has been hosting an annual competition in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA). Since its inception in 1986, the Absa L’Atelier competition has steadfastly nurtured the aspirations of budding visual artists from across Africa, offering them invaluable support, recognition, and exposure essential for the cultivation and advancement of their careers.
It invites emerging artists between the ages of 21 and 40 from the 12 qualifying countries on the continent to participate in this esteemed competition. It also encourages them to showcase their latest masterpieces and share their creative vision with a global audience. Whether self-taught or formally trained, citizens or permanent residents currently residing in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia are all eligible to apply.
Dr. Paul Bayliss, esteemed art and museum curator at Absa, emphasized the competition’s profound impact on emerging artists, stating, “Absa L’Atelier has a proud legacy of providing a platform for emerging artists to tell their stories and to showcase their art.” He further articulated Absa’s enduring commitment to African art, underscoring the alignment of the competition with the institution’s brand purpose.
Bayliss added, “Absa L’Atelier recognizes that every artist’s story is significant and impactful, regardless of their background, training, or journey. By supporting emerging talent, Absa continues in its mission to advocate for artists who are telling uniquely African stories and bring to our life our ambition to be an active force for good in everything we do.”
The 2024 edition of the competition serves as a reflection of Absa’s refreshed brand positioning, centering around the compelling concept that “Your story matters.” This theme underscores the intrinsic value of each artist’s distinct narrative, offering a platform for the exploration of both personal and universal stories through the medium of art.
To participate in the prestigious event, artists should register online at https://latelier.absa.africa/ and submit a portfolio of four to five artworks no later than May 31st, 2024.
