Entries are now open for the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, South Africa’s foremost platform for emerging artists.
Celebrating its 35th year under Sasol’s sponsorship, this competition remains the ultimate launchpad for fresh talent.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES
It’s a vibrant celebration of bold ideas and the power of visual storytelling to inspire, challenge, and connect people across the nation.
Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures, expressed excitement about the competition’s continued legacy.
“We are delighted to once again open the call for entries to South Africa’s longest-running and most respected art competition,” she said.
“Thanks to Sasol and our logistical partner Stuttaford Van Lines, the competition is free to enter. This makes it one of the most accessible, high-profile platforms for emerging artists.
We seek work that is original, bold in vision, and capable of sparking thought and emotion.”
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES OPEN TO ARTISTS
The competition is open to South African artists aged 18 and older who have not yet held a solo exhibition, except for academic shows such as Master’s degree exhibitions.
Artists working in any visual medium-from painting, drawing, and printmaking to sculpture, photography, video, and installation encouraged to enter.
However, those represented by established galleries or agents, or employed as full-time visual art or design lecturers, are not eligible.
CASH PRIZES
The overall winner will receive a generous R100 000 prize and the chance to showcase a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026, according to Sasol.
The runner-up will take home R25 000, while five merit award winners will each receive R10 000.
This prize structure not only rewards talent but also provides a vital platform for artists to gain national recognition.
Sasol New Signatures has launched the careers of some of South Africa’s most celebrated contemporary artists.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES PAST WINNERS
Past winners and finalists include Candice Breitz, Johan Thom, Mohau Modisakeng, Haroon Gunn-Salie, Lebohang Kganye, and Patrick Rulore.
Their success stories show how the competition can transform careers and open doors to galleries, museums, and international biennales.
To support artists, Sasol New Signatures offers a range of educational resources.
Online information sessions, how-to tutorials, downloadable fact sheets, and an informative blog will guide entrants through the process.
DEADLINES
Sidogi and Sasol Art Curator Cate Terblanche will lead these efforts, helping artists meet the competition’s technical and conceptual standards.
Artists can submit their entries at collection points nationwide on 10 and 11 June, between 10:00 and 16:00.
Final judging will take place on 4 August, with the exhibition of finalists running from 4 September to 2 November 2025 at the Pretoria Art Museum.
SOUTH AFRICAN ART
This competition is a celebration of South African creativity and a beacon for emerging artists ready to make their mark.
As Sidogi puts it, “Sasol New Signatures provides a platform for artists to express themselves freely and fearlessly, connecting with others in infinite ways.”
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK COMPETITIONS LIKE SASOL NEW SIGNATURES ARE FOR SUPPORTING EMERGING ARTISTS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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