At Alexander Art Academy, we believe that showcasing your artwork beyond the classroom is an essential part of every artist’s growth. Participating in art competitions, joining art associations, and exhibiting in group shows offers invaluable experiences that build both confidence and skill.
These opportunities encourage students to set ambitious goals, refine their artistic voice, and receive feedback from a broader audience. Working towards exhibitions and competitions also opens doors to networking within the art community, gaining exposure, and connecting with potential buyers and collectors. Each of these experiences is a step towards building a successful and rewarding art career.
SOUTH AFRICAN ART COMPETITION
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. 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…
INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITIONS
The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award returns for 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
2025 marks the Alexander Art Academy’s first themed 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
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.