ENTRIES INVITED FOR ABSA L'ATELIER

Entries invited for artists between the ages of 21 and 35 for Absa L'Atelier Competition.

The Absa L’Atelier Competition, South Africa’s most prestigious art award, is held annually for artists between the ages of 21 and 35. This award not only ensures South Africa’s emerging artists of recognition, but also affords them the opportunity to develop their talents abroad.

Eleven prizes are awarded: The overall winner receives R110,000 in total from Absa, as well as a return air ticket to Paris, France. The prize money must be used for time of study of at least three months, but not more than six months, in the studio apartment purchased for this purpose at the Cité Internationale des Arts. The money will be made available when the winner leaves for Paris. Four additional merit prizes of R25,000 each will be awarded. The top ten finalists will receive R2,000 each.

The Alliance Française, the French Institute and the French Embassy are sponsoring the Gerard Sekoto Award for the most promising artist with an income of less than R60,000 per annum. This prize consists of a return air ticket to Paris, three months’ stay in the Cité Internationale des Arts, nationwide touring exhibitions, training in French and commission for a poster for the exhibition – total value approximately R80,000.

The conditions of entry are contained in the brochures available on www.basa.co.za or visit vwww.absa.co.za for more information. Candidates will be expected to take cognisance of these conditions. The entry form must be completed and delivered to the collection point with the works of art and a curriculum vitae as well as a brief description of the works of art by the closing date.

The closing date for entries in all the regions is March 5, 2010. Works will be received between March 1 and 5.