There’s something contagious about passion, especially when it’s close to home. My brother’s deep love for art has recently sparked my own interest in the visual arts. He lives and breathes creativity, and watching him grow in his craft has been nothing short of inspiring.
So, when I found out that entries for the prestigious Absa L’Atelier 2025 art competition had opened, I didn’t hesitate. Before even penning this article, I forwarded him the link. This opportunity felt like something too important not to share.
The Absa L’Atelier competition, now in its 39th year, is one of Africa’s longest-running and most respected art awards. It is hosted by Absa in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) and is open to emerging artists aged 21 to 40 from 12 African countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
What makes this competition truly special is its heart. Absa’s Your Story Matters campaign resonates deeply with me, not just as a creative but as a black South African. I believe our stories, often forged through shared struggles, deserve to be seen and heard. I had the privilege of attending the Absa L’Atelier prize-giving event last year, where I got to interact with winners whose stories echoed pieces of my own background. It was powerful and humbling.
Art has always been a vehicle for storytelling, and this competition is more than just about skill it’s about voice. As Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa’s Senior Specialist: Art and Museum Curator, put it:
“Absa L’Atelier recognises that every artist’s story is significant and impactful, regardless of their background, training or journey.”
This is what I love most about it—the inclusivity. Whether you’re self-taught or formally trained, if you’re living in one of the participating countries and fall within the age bracket, you can enter. It’s a rare and generous platform that provides real support, from international residencies and masterclasses to solo exhibitions and mentorship.
Here’s what’s on offer: Three Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors (one per regional group of countries) will be selected and awarded a laptop, masterclasses, mentorship, a residency abroad and an in-country solo exhibition.
The coveted Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, presented in partnership with the French Embassy in South Africa and the Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, will go to a standout South African artist. The prize includes a three-month residency in Paris, a solo exhibition with the Absa Gallery and three virtual masterclasses to support their personal development.
I’ve seen this competition change lives, and I’m hopeful it will do the same for my brother maybe even ignite something new in me too.
Entries close on 31 May 2024 at 17:00 SAST (GMT+2). Artists can register and submit their portfolios of four to five artworks online at latelier.absa.africa.
Because in the end, your story really does matter. And art raw, vulnerable and brave is one of the most powerful ways to tell it.
