At Alexander Art Academy, we believe that showcasing your artwork beyond the classroom is a vital part of every artist’s growth. Participating in art competitions, joining art associations, and exhibiting in group shows provides invaluable experiences that help develop both confidence and skill.
These opportunities inspire students to set ambitious goals, refine their artistic voice, and receive meaningful feedback from a wider audience. Preparing for exhibitions and competitions also creates pathways to connect with the broader art community, gain visibility, and engage with potential buyers and collectors.
Participating in juried art competitions, in particular, is an important milestone for emerging artists who want to be recognised and taken seriously in the professional art world. Each year, competitions across South Africa offer the chance to build your artistic résumé, gain exposure, and even win cash prizes and other exciting rewards.
SOUTH AFRICAN ART COMPETITIONS
Participating in juried art competitions is an important milestone for emerging artists who want to be taken seriously in the art world. Each year, competitions across South Africa provide valuable opportunities to build your artistic résumé, gain exposure, and potentially win cash prizes and other rewards.
Sasol New Signatures 2025
Entries are now officially open for the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, South Africa’s premier platform for emerging visual artists. Now in its 35th year of Sasol’s sponsorship, Sasol New Signatures remains the most prestigious platform for emerging artists to break into the professional art world. It is a launchpad for creative careers, a celebration of bold and fresh ideas, and a testament to the transformative power of visual storytelling and the ability of art to inspire, challenge, and connect.
Artists must submit their entries in person at one of eight collection points around South Africa on: Tuesday, 10 and Wednesday, 11 June 2025 between 10h00 to 16h00. Read more…
Absa L’Atelier 2025
In partnership with SANAVA, the Absa L’Atelier is an annual art competition that has been helping young visual artists from across 12 countries in Africa to take their art to a wider audience, grow their art careers and ultimately gain the recognition they deserve. Together with the French Institute of South Africa and the French Embassy in South Africa, we also honour 20 years of the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, specifically for South African artists.
The Absa L’Atelier 2025 competition will open on 1 April 2025 for eligible artists who want to enter the competition and who are aged 21 to 40 years old. Read more…
Rust-En-Vrede Portrait Award 2025
This biennial competition is open to all resident South African artists, 18 years and older, and aims to increase public awareness and appreciation for the art of portraiture, as well as give South African artists an opportunity for further exposure.
According to the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery’s Portrait Award competition, a portrait is defined as a two-dimensional artwork depicting a person (or persons) whom the artist personally knows and who has expressly granted consent for their likeness to be used. Acceptable formats include self-portraits and group portraits. Artists may work from photographs, provided they have taken the photos themselves with the subject’s full and express consent. The competition excludes sculptures, photographs, and works created using software, AI, or other digital means. Read more…
This annual art competition hosted by Art.b, the Arts Association of Bellville, is open to all resident South African artists, 18 years and older. The competition is NOT OPEN to artists who have had a solo exhibition in the past three years. (academic solo exhibitions are exempt).
The Arts Association of Bellville is the Western Cape branch of the South African National Association of Visual Art. It is a non-profit membership-based organisation open to all. The gallery is maintained and managed with the support of the City of Cape Town. Read more…
INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITIONS
The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2025.
The prestigious painting competition celebrates the very best in contemporary portraiture and will include captivating works from around the world, by both self-taught and more established painters. Enter now for the chance to have your work on display in the National Portrait Gallery and win the top prize of £35,000.
All entries and payments must be submitted by 22.00 on Tuesday 14 January 2025. Read more…
ART SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
The South African Society of Artists (SASA) is one of the country’s oldest and most esteemed art organizations, established to promote and support the visual arts. Based in Cape Town, SASA brings together a diverse community of artists, ranging from emerging talents to seasoned professionals, across various disciplines. The society hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and events, fostering creativity, artistic development, and a shared passion for the arts. Read more…
The Constantiaberg Art Society is a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts based in Cape Town. Dedicated to promoting creativity and artistic growth, the society offers regular exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Members span a wide range of skill levels and mediums, united by their passion for the visual arts. It’s a space to connect, learn, and celebrate the transformative power of art. Read more…
SANAVA (South African National Association for the Visual Arts)
SANAVA supports artists by promoting visual arts in South Africa and offers information on various competitions, residencies, and other artist opportunities. Read more…
GALLERY AND CURATED GROUP EXHIBITIONS – OPEN CALLS
2026 marks the Alexander Art Academy’s sixth annual exhibition and will be showcased at the Iziko Learning Centre at Groot Constantia wine estate. Read more…
The Rupert Museum invites artists and creatives, from any creative industry, platform or profession, to take inspiration from AbstRacT – the hidden synchrony exhibition from the collections of the Huberte Goote Art Foundation and Rupert Art Foundation. Responsive works are to be submitted electronically for possible inclusion in a selling group exhibition to be showcased in the Jan Rupert Art Centre located in Graaff-Reinet from February to September 2025. Before or on the closing date of Friday, 14 February 2025. Read more…
Push boundaries, think beyond the obvious, and let music be your muse. Entries close on 16 March 2025. Artwork size is 40×40 cm.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your talent! Submit your work and let’s create a visual celebration of music together. Apply here: Form. Website: www.noordhoekartpoint.co.za
Applications now open for “Connect Through Colour”, a vibrant group exhibition celebrating the power of colour to unify, inspire, and reflect our shared human experience. Presented by The Artists Gallery – 33Bree Street, Cape Town.
Looking for artists working in any medium producing paintings that are bold, thought-provoking artworks that explore colour as connection — to self, others, and place. Emerging and established artists are welcome to apply. This is your chance to exhibit in one of Cape Town’s most exciting contemporary spaces! Deadline to submit is the 15 August 2025. Read more…
Noordhoek Art Point gallery is calling all artists — emerging, established, experimental — to interpret The Blues in your own unique way. From colour to emotion, music to memo, the possibilities are endless. Size limit: max 1m x 1m, R200 entry fee, Submission deadline: 4 August 2025, Exhibition runs: 15 Aug – 15 Sept at Noordhoek Art Point.
Selected works will be curated by a panel and displayed in the upcoming group show. All mediums welcome! Send an email to info@noordhoekartpoint.co.za for an application form.
The Alexander Art Academy’s Annual Showcase presents a collection of artworks by a community of artists under the mentorship of Marc Alexander. This event is both a celebration of their creativity and accomplishments, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the skills and knowledge they have gained. The displayed pieces showcase a wide range of styles, techniques, and mediums, with each artist focusing on their unique style, talent, and artistic preferences to create their finest work.
2026 marks our fifth exhibition and will be showcased at the Iziko Learning Centre at Groot Constantia wine estate from 7 February to 27 March 2026. Read more…
OTHER RESOURCES
A few resources can help keep you updated on South African art competitions. While there isn’t a single comprehensive website for every art competition in South Africa, the following platforms regularly feature information on upcoming events, exhibitions, and competitions within the local art scene:
- Art Times (www.arttimes.co.za) – Art Times is a prominent resource for art news in South Africa and frequently lists local art competitions, exhibitions, and calls for entries. Their news section often highlights prominent competitions and art-related events across the country.
- Latitudes Online (www.latitudes.online) – This platform showcases contemporary African art and occasionally posts about competitions and calls for entry, especially for emerging artists in Africa.
- Creative Feel (www.creativefeel.co.za) – Creative Feel magazine covers South African arts and culture, including information about major competitions and opportunities for visual artists.
- Local Galleries and Art Organisations – Many galleries like the AVA Gallery in Cape Town and the Johannesburg Art Gallery frequently host competitions and calls for artists. Following these organisations on social media or signing up for their newsletters can also keep you updated.
- Social Media Groups – Facebook groups such as South African Artists and Contemporary South African Artists often share posts about upcoming art competitions and calls for entry.
Regularly checking these resources will help you stay informed about new opportunities for exhibitions and competitions across South Africa.