The Absa L’Atelier competition, through its prizes, supports visual artists in growing their brand and in equipping them with the relevant skills needed to build their careers.
There are 12 countries that qualify to take part in the Absa L’Atelier (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia). Artists (not older than 40 years old) are required to submit one entry, which consists of a portfolio of work of a minimum of four to five artworks.
After the entry closing date, the 12 countries are randomly divided into three groups of four countries each. A single winner will be selected from each of the three groups.
The winner (Ambassador) from each of the three groups will receive the following:
- A new laptop or equivalent
- 11 two-hour masterclasses, virtually or in-person, from May to July 2027
- A four-month mentorship (June to September 2027)
- A concurrent two-month international residency with the Kromdraai Impact Hub in South Africa from 11 May to 11 July 2027
- The option to host a solo exhibition within two years of winning the award, in the artist’s home country, at the Absa Gallery or at an alternative venue (with up to 100,000 ZAR for material costs towards the exhibition)
- All airfares to an artist’s exhibition opening and/or residency forms part of their prize
Travel arrangements to the Art Fair in South Africa will be organised for selected finalists. Finalists will be reimbursed for the cost of their visa.
There is also the Gerard Sekoto Award for South African artists aged between 25 and 35. This involves a residency, from April to June in 2027, at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France, including return airfare, a daily stipend and return transport between the artist’s place of residence in South Africa and the airport.
