The Absa L’Atelier Competition is one of Africa’s most prestigious art competitions, rewarding young visual artists aged 21 to 35 with the opportunity to develop their talents abroad. This fully funded prize includes masterclasses, mentoring, and a residency in France or South Africa, providing a unique platform for career growth.
Absa Group, a leading African financial services provider, hosts this competition to support emerging artists across the continent. With a presence in 12 countries, Absa aims to nurture artistic talent and promote contemporary African art through exhibitions, catalogues, and international exposure.
Absa L’Atelier Competition Benefits
- Ten intensive masterclasses covering portfolio building, media training, fundraising, and more
- Three-month mentoring program with a leading visual arts authority from the winner’s country
- Group exhibition at the Absa Gallery in Johannesburg
- Option for a solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery within five years
- New laptop with latest Windows and MS Office Package
- Sufficient data for internet connectivity during online sessions
- Return flight ticket to Paris (for Gerard Sekoto Award winner)
- Three months’ residence at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris (for Gerard Sekoto Award winner)
- Nationwide touring of exhibitions in France (for Gerard Sekoto Award winner)
- French language tutoring (for Gerard Sekoto Award winner)
Absa L’Atelier Competition Eligibility Criteria
- Artists must be citizens or permanent residents of South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Nigeria, or Namibia
- Must be currently residing in one of the eligible countries
- Age between 21 and 40 years as of March 2026
- Art students must be in their final year of study and meet age requirements
- Each artist may submit only one entry consisting of a portfolio of 4 to 5 artworks
- All fields in online registration must be completed accurately
How to Apply for Absa L’Atelier Competition?
- Submit your entry via the online portal
- Upload a portfolio of 4 to 5 artworks (minimum 4, maximum 5)
- Upload up to 10 images showcasing your entry
- Complete all required fields in the online registration form
- Ensure all information is accurate to avoid disqualification
- Submit before the deadline: 31 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Absa L’Atelier Competition. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Absa L’Atelier Competition?
The Absa L’Atelier Competition is a prestigious art competition for young African visual artists aged 21 to 40. It offers winners the chance to develop their talents through masterclasses, mentoring, and residencies in France or South Africa, fully funded by Absa.
Who is eligible to apply?
Artists who are citizens or permanent residents of South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Nigeria, or Namibia and currently reside in one of these countries. Age must be between 21 and 40 as of March 2026.
What are the benefits of winning?
Winners receive ten masterclasses, a three-month mentoring program, a group exhibition at the Absa Gallery, a new laptop, data for internet, and an option for a solo exhibition. The Gerard Sekoto Award includes a flight to Paris, three months’ residency at Cité Internationale des Arts, and French tutoring.
How do I apply for the competition?
Applications are submitted via the online portal. You must upload a portfolio of 4 to 5 artworks (up to 10 images) and complete all required fields accurately. Late or incomplete submissions are disqualified.
What is the deadline for the 2026 competition?
The application deadline is 31 May 2026. No late submissions will be accepted. Ensure all materials are submitted before this date.
How are winners selected?
Entries are adjudicated online based on technical execution, conceptual and thematic engagement, freshness of artistic vision within African contemporary art, and aesthetic appeal. Winners are chosen from three groups of four countries each.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No, each artist is permitted only one entry. The entry must consist of a portfolio of 4 to 5 artworks. Submitting fewer than 4 or more than 5 artworks will result in disqualification.
What happens if I win the Gerard Sekoto Award?
The Gerard Sekoto Award winner receives a return flight to Paris, three months’ residence at the Cité Internationale des Arts, nationwide touring of exhibitions in France, and French language tutoring. The residency takes place from April to June 2026.
Is the prize transferable or exchangeable for cash?
No, the prize or any part thereof may not be exchanged for cash, kind, or otherwise. Winners must take up the residency during the offered period and cannot defer it to an alternate date.
What are the masterclasses about?
The ten masterclasses cover topics such as building an art portfolio, media training, audience development, fundraising, dealing with galleries, budgeting, contracts, virtual exhibitions, career opportunities, and maintaining relationships with industry leaders.
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