The Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition is one of the most recognised and celebrated art competitions in the South African landscape.
Annually, the competition draws hundreds of emerging artists who are ready to push boundaries and showcase their originality. What makes this competition especially exciting is the exemplary range of artistic expression on display. Artists are encouraged to submit up to two original works across a wide breadth of mediums – from painting, drawing, and printmaking, to sculpture, photography, video, and installation. This openness reflects the ever-evolving nature of contemporary art in South Africa and ensures that every exhibition is expansive in diversity and perspective.
Each entry undergoes a rigorous review by panels of judges at both regional and national levels. This layered process ensures fairness while recognising both technical excellence and unabashed creativity. Finalists who make it through don’t just earn a place in an exhibition; they also gain significant exposure. Their work is presented at the Pretoria Art Museum, featured in a professionally produced printed and digital catalogue, and highlighted across Sasol New Signatures’ social media platforms. For many young artists, this kind of visibility is career-changing, as it places their work in front of audiences, collectors, and critics alike.
The rewards, too, are worth striving for. The overall winner walks away with a R100,000 cash prize as well as the opportunity to host a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026. The runner-up receives R25,000, while five merit award recipients are each awarded R10,000. Yet the true value of Sasol New Signatures goes beyond financial support. Winners also benefit from extensive national media coverage, a robust PR campaign, and valuable mentorship opportunities. Under the guidance of Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi, Sasol Art Curator Cate Terblanche, and the Association of Arts Pretoria, winners are given tools to confidently navigate the art world with clarity of vision.
Sasol New Signatures is more than a competition. It is a vital platform that opens doors for emerging voices and helps them navigate the often daunting world of professional art practice. – Cate Terblanche
This year’s awards ceremony takes place online on Wednesday, 3 September at 12h00, with audiences able to join via Facebook, YouTube, or the Sasol New Signatures website. The finalists’ exhibition, along with the solo showcase by 2024 winner Miné Kleynhans titled Augury After Autogogues, opens at the Pretoria Art Museum on Thursday, 4 September and runs until Sunday, 2 November 2025. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual gallery ensures that the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s next generation of artists are easily accessible with just a click.
