Our Story

Launched in 2018, the Award operates as a not-for-profit initiative of the StateoftheART Gallery, and is recognized as an exciting, high profile contemporary arts prize aimed at emerging artists from across South Africa. To ensure the Award is an inclusive and accessible opportunity, we have developed an online platform to allow artist submissions to be made using a mobile phone;  and the application is free of charge.

 

The Award aims to unearth and promote artists who have yet to establish a profile on the contemporary South African art scene and provides an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work in a prestigious and highly visible space in the heart of Cape Town, to gain exposure and raise their profile.

 

 

The Judging Panel comprises of experts from different spheres of the art world: collector, academic, artist, and gallerist. The panel’s role is to help recognize artists who stand out above the rest, who demonstrate significant potential, interesting ideas, and skillful execution . “The participation of a knowledgeable jury is of great importance to us in helping to develop the stature and scale of the Award and ensuring we identify and reward the most exciting talent,” says Jennifer Reynolds, owner of StateoftheART.

 

On the 1st of April 2021 we opened the Award to applications from artists aged 18+ and resident in South Africa, with the aim of bringing new talent to the forefront and opening doors for the development of a future career.