Set against the striking mountain and vineyard backdrop, the Norval Foundation has, since 2018, served as more than a space for viewing art—it’s become a cultural anchor point, nurturing appreciation for African creativity and elevating the voices of artists on a global stage. Designed by DHK Architects as a minimalist pavilion for art, the Foundation is as much about beauty as it is about purpose: fostering education, dialogue, and deep engagement with art.
This dedication to shaping young minds finds vivid expression in the Norval Student Art Prize (NSAP) 2025—a vibrant nationwide initiative where creativity knows no bounds. Inviting learners from Grades 1 to 12 to share their stories through art, NSAP 2025 brings together artistic talent, education, and self-expression, empowering the next generation to explore who they are and how they belong.
The Theme: “To Belong”
This year, the NSAP 2025 takes inspiration from the thought-provoking exhibition “We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa.” The theme, “To Belong”, invites students to reflect on their experiences, perspectives, and connections to the world around them. As they embark on this creative journey, they’ll have the opportunity to share their stories, dreams, and visions with the world.
Eligibility and Categories
The NSAP 2025 is open to students of all ages, from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The competition is divided into four categories:
- Foundation Phase: Grades 1-3 (7–9yrs)
- Intermediate Phase: Grades 4-6 (10-12yrs)
- Senior Phase: Grades 7-9 (13 – 15 yrs)
- FET Phase: Grades 10-12 (16-18 yrs)
Judging Criteria and Prizes
A panel of judges will select the winners based on the following criteria:
- Relevance to the theme
- Concept or story
- Emotionally evocative
- Use of technique and/or art materials
- Originality/creative thinking
The prizes include:
- Extra-mural art lessons at the prestigious Peter Clarke Art Centre for six months.
- A Grade 10 FET Design/Visual Art bursary for 2026 at the Peter Clarke Art Centre.
- An ARTSAUCE pack and a Norval Foundation publication of choice for second and third-place winners.
Submission Requirements
To participate in the Norval Student Art Prize (NSAP) 2025, there are some submission requirements. They include:
General Requirements:
- Each applicant may only submit one (1) artwork into the competition.
- All artworks must be submitted by May 12, 2025.
- Artworks must be enclosed in an envelope (sized according to the artwork’s dimensions) with the learner’s full name, grade, and school written on the envelope.
Originality and Authenticity:
- Each entry must be the applicant’s own original work and not copied from another image or artist.
Administration and Documentation:
- Each artwork must have a completed application form and declaration attached to the back for administration purposes.
- Failure to include the application form and declaration may result in the artwork not being entered into the competition, and the learner may not be able to retrieve their artwork.
Responsibility:
- Norval Foundation cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for entries that are lost, delayed, incomplete, not properly registered or recorded, or cannot be delivered or entered into the Art Prize.
Format and Size:
- Two-dimensional artworks (drawing, painting, mixed media, tapestry, photography, etc.) must be submitted on an A4 or A3 sized substrate (paper, plastic, fabric, etc.) of choice.
- Audio and video artworks must be submitted on a memory stick, enclosed in an envelope with the application form and declaration inside.
Theme and Explanation:
- The applicant’s artwork must be inspired by the theme “To Belong” and accompanied by a brief explanation (approximately 50-100 words) of how the artwork relates to the theme.
Submission Timeline:
- Artworks submitted before March 17, 2025, or after May 12, 2025, will not be accepted.
- All dates are subject to change.
Submission Location:
- All artworks must be submitted to the Norval Foundation Front Desk.
Content Guidelines:
- Artworks may not contain derogatory, discriminatory, offensive, threatening, defamatory, slanderous, or inappropriate content.
- Artworks may not promote harm to oneself or others.
- Artworks should not include logos or slogans of any brands or contain information that would violate another person’s privacy.
Communication and Promotion:
- By submitting their artwork, applicants agree to receive emails, phone calls, and SMS notifications from the Norval Foundation regarding the outcome of their submission and any further information regarding the Art Prize.
- Applicants grant the Norval Foundation permission to take photographs of their artwork for promotional purposes on various media platforms.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: March 17, 2025
- Applications Close: May 12, 2025
- Exhibition Opening: June 16, 2025 (Youth Day)
- Exhibition Closing: February 22, 2026
For additional information, head to the Norval Foundation’s Student Art Prize’s website or contact them for assistance.
