Emerging South African artists now have the opportunity to step into the national spotlight with the launch of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition. Widely regarded as a career-defining platform, the competition has opened entries for next year’s edition — offering both recognition and resources to creative talents looking to make their mark.
Celebrating 35 years of Sasol’s sponsorship, the competition has built a strong reputation for uncovering and nurturing some of the country’s most innovative artistic voices. Under the guidance of the Association of Arts Pretoria, it continues to serve as a springboard for new talent, having launched the careers of visual artists such as Candice Breitz, Mohau Modisakeng, and Lebohang Kganye.
“We are committed to keeping the competition inclusive, free to enter, and relevant to the needs of today’s artists,” said Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures. “What we’re looking for is originality — work that challenges, moves, and engages.”
Artists aged 18 and older who have not held a solo exhibition (excluding academic shows) are eligible to submit work. The competition welcomes all visual mediums, including sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, painting, and digital works. However, those represented by galleries or employed full-time as lecturers in visual art or design are excluded from entry.
The winner will receive R100,000 and the opportunity to host a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026. The runner-up will walk away with R25,000, and five additional merit award recipients will each receive R10,000.
As part of its commitment to artist development, Sasol New Signatures will offer a suite of educational support materials — including how-to videos, information sessions, fact sheets, and a blog filled with tips from curators and judges. Sidogi and Sasol Art Curator Cate Terblanche will lead this national guidance campaign.
“Even being selected as a finalist can change an artist’s life,” said Sidogi. “It’s about being seen, being heard, and becoming part of a larger creative conversation.”
Submission of entries must take place in person at one of eight regional collection points on 10 and 11 June 2025, between 10:00 and 16:00. Final judging will occur on 4 August, with the 2025 exhibition opening at the Pretoria Art Museum on 4 September. The show will run until 2 November, and will feature the debut solo exhibition of 2024 winner Miné Kleynhans.
For full details and resources, visit www.sasolnewsignatures.co.za.
