Deadline: April 27, 2018
For
thousands of artists across Africa whose creativity is their livelihood, art
gives life. Now, the continent’s flagship visual arts competition for emerging
artists, L’Atelier, is asking these artists to ‘Give art life’ as it calls for
entries into this year’s contest.
This
inspiring theme of the 2018 competition reflects the idea that the prestigious
L’Atelier gives African contemporary art, and the talent behind it, a platform
to thrive.
This has
been augmented even further this year with the competition being opened up to
two more African countries, namely Nigeria and Namibia. This brings to 12 the
number of countries participating in the competition. The other countries
include South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania,
Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique, and all professional and self-taught
emerging artists aged 21 to 35 from these countries, are invited to enter.
The
L’Atelier art competition enters its 33rd year in 2018, marking another
fruitful year of collaboration between primary sponsors Absa and South African
National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA). Together, these partners aim
to help further winners’ careers by providing them with unparalleled industry
opportunities.
For the
main award winners, this includes a six-month art residency at the Cité
internationale des arts in Paris and a cash prize of R330,000. The main award
is open to all entrants from participating countries.
Similarly,
the first Merit Award prize comprises a three-month art residency at the Bag
Factory in South Africa; the second Merit Award, a two-month art residency at
the Sylt Foundation, on the island of Sylt in Germany, and the third Merit
Award, a one-month art residency with the Ampersand Foundation in New York,
USA. All entrants are eligible for the Merit Award prizes.
All Top
10 finalists in the competition are also placed on a two-day art
professionalism course to assist them in managing their careers – a vital
aspect in helping young artists turn their talent into profitable businesses.
Dr Paul
Bayliss, Absa Art and Museum Curator, says the competition has played a
significant role in the careers of many influential visual artists from across
the African continent, particularly the winners, who have benefited from the
exposure afforded to them through the residencies.
“Since
extending the competition to other African countries, the response from young,
up-and-coming artists has been incredible. This bears testament to the fact
that emerging artists realise the immense value L’Atelier adds to their
careers. It has been very encouraging to see Africa’s young artists making the
most of the opportunities that are being created to support and help grow their
careers. It’s important not only that artists take advantage of these
opportunities, but that they put their best works forward when doing it,” says
Bayliss.
To enter
the 2018 competition, artists simply need to visit the L’Atelier website at
www.LAtelierCompetition.com, click on the ‘enter L’Atelier 2018’ button, and
complete the required information.
Registration
is already open and entries can be uploaded from March 1, 2018, and entries
close on April 27, 2018.
Artists
who have previously entered the competition need to register once again if they
wish to enter in 2018.
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