A fantastic opportunity has arrived for young artists in South Africa! The Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Foundation has teamed up with The DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award to create a special program. This award aims to help young artists boost their careers and shine in the art world.
The DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award offers a nine-month residency program for the winning artist. This includes a studio space at Ellis House in Johannesburg, financial support for materials and living expenses, and a chance to participate in workshops and exhibitions.
The highlight of the program is a solo exhibition at the DALRO Gallery in March 2025, showcasing the artist’s work developed during the residency. In addition to creating art, the program connects artists with industry experts who can guide them on important aspects of the art world, such as business registration, financial management, and working with galleries.
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Young artists between 21 and 35 years old are encouraged to apply for the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize and the DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award by visiting their websites.
To celebrate this collaboration, a group exhibition titled “Motions and Motives” will be held at the DALRO offices in Johannesburg. The exhibition will feature artworks by established and mid-career artists.
It aims to create a strong connection between DALRO and the visual arts community, emphasizing the importance of copyright laws in protecting artists’ work and ensuring fair compensation for their creations.
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This partnership between BNAP Foundation and DALRO marks as a step towards supporting artists and safeguarding their rights under copyright laws. It provides a platform for artists to voice their concerns, discuss career longevity, and have a say in legal matters that impact their artistic journeys.



