Artists from 12 countries across the continent are invited to enter.
Johannesburg, South Africa ( May 2025) — As the clock ticks down, artists across Africa have a remarkable opportunity to showcase their talent in the esteemed Absa L’Atelier 2025 art competition — your chance to shine before the deadline of 31 May is fast approaching! This celebrated pan-African competition, hosted by Absa in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), is now in its 39th year, offering a prestigious stage for emerging artists to make their mark.
Since its establishment in 1986, Absa L’Atelier has nurtured generations of young visual artists from across the continent, providing them with vital support, recognition, and opportunities to advance their careers.
Emerging artists aged 21 to 40 from the 12 qualifying countries — Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia — are encouraged to enter, showcasing their creative vision through a portfolio of four to five artworks. Whether self-taught or formally trained, all artists who are citizens or permanent residents living in these countries are welcome to submit.
“Absa L’Atelier has a proud legacy of providing a platform for emerging artists to tell their stories and to showcase their art,” says Dr Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist: Art and Museum Curator at Absa. “It embodies Absa’s long-standing commitment to African art and is intrinsically aligned to our brand purpose.”
“Absa L’Atelier recognises 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 sharing uniquely African narratives, bringing to life our ambition to be an active force for good in everything we do,” adds Bayliss.
The competition beautifully reflects Absa’s brand positioning, centred around the idea that Your story matters. It underscores the importance of every artist’s unique narrative and offers a platform for exploring both personal and universal stories.
Artists must register online at https://latelier.absa.africa and submit their portfolios by no later than 31 May 2024 at 17:00 SAST (GMT+2).
Winners from each of three groups of randomly selected countries will be named Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors for 2025, receiving benefits including a laptop, intensive masterclasses, mentorship, an international art residency, and an in-country solo exhibition.
Additionally, a South African entrant demonstrating vision and development in their art will receive the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, in partnership with SANAVA, the French Embassy in South Africa, and the Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud. The winner will enjoy a 3-month residency in Paris, a solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery, and three virtual masterclasses for personal development.
