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Artists are nominated for awards recognizing emerging South African artists whose work demonstrates originality, skill and a distinctive artistic voice.
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Get matched →The National Arts Festival, in partnership with Standard Bank, has opened nominations for the 2027 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, which recognize emerging South African artists whose work demonstrates originality, skill and a distinctive artistic voice. The awards have been presented for more than four decades, with previous recipients including Helen Sebidi, William Kentridge, Sibongile Khumalo, Mary Sibande, Yael Farber, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Neil Coppen, Zoe Modiga, Msaki, Koleka Putuma, Mandla Mlangeni, Gabi Motuba and Jefferson Tshabalala.
Artists from any discipline may be nominated. Selection is based on the strength and depth of an artist's body of work rather than adherence to specific categories.
Previous categories have included music, visual arts, jazz, theatre, dance, performance art, poetry and film, although not all categories are awarded in every cycle.
Recipients receive national and international exposure and recognition, a monetary award, a production budget, marketing and promotional support, and an opportunity to develop and present new work at the 2027 National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.