Entries open for visual arts competition

Emerging visual artists across South Africa are being called to step into the spotlight as entries officially open for the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition — the country’s longest-running and most prestigious platform for up-and-coming creative talent.

Now celebrating 35 years of Sasol’s sponsorship, the competition continues to serve as a vital launchpad for artists eager to break into the professional art world.

Organised in partnership with the Association of Arts Pretoria, the Sasol New Signatures is recognised not only for celebrating bold artistic expression but also for propelling fresh voices to national and international acclaim.

Over the years, this competition has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many South African art luminaries. Past winners and finalists such as Candice Breitz (1991), Johan Thom (2001), Mohau Modisakeng (2011), Haroon Gunn-Salie (2013), Lebohang Kganye (2017), and Patrick Rulore (2019) have gone on to exhibit in major galleries, museums, and biennales around the world.

“We are delighted to once again open the call for entries to South Africa’s longest-running and respected art competition,” said Pfunzo Sidogi, chairperson of Sasol New Signatures.

“Thanks to the continued support from Sasol and our logistical partner, Stuttaford Van Lines, the competition remains free to enter, making it one of the most accessible high-profile competitions in the country. We are looking for work that is original, bold in vision, and capable of sparking thought and emotion.”

The competition is open to South African citizens or permanent residents aged 18 and older who have not yet held a solo exhibition — excluding those held as part of academic studies. A wide range of visual mediums are welcomed, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and printmaking. However, artists represented by established galleries or working as full-time visual arts lecturers are not eligible.

The overall winner will walk away with a cash prize of R100 000 and the opportunity to stage a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026. The runner-up will receive R25 000, and five merit award winners will each earn R10 000.

Entries will be accepted at regional collection points nationwide. Full entry details, rules, and submission guidelines are available on the official Sasol New Signatures website.

 Entry forms can be found at https://www.sasolsignatures.co.za/