BLOEMFONTEIN – South Africa’s longest-running art competition has opened entries for its 2026 edition, marking 64 years of supporting emerging visual artists.

The Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition offers prize money totalling R175 000, with the overall winner receiving R100 000, the runner-up R25 000, and five merit award winners R10 000 each.

The winner will also hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2027.

Power to inspire

Around 100 finalists will be selected to exhibit at the Pretoria Art Museum, with their work documented in the competition’s printed catalogue.

Pfunzo Sidogi, chairperson of Sasol New Signatures, said the platform recognises excellence and supports artistic growth. “We encourage artists to enter and seize this opportunity to become the next ‘New Signature’ in South African art,” Sidogi said.

Sasol has sponsored the competition for 36 years. Nozipho Mlambo, Sasol senior manager for group brand and sponsorships, said the sponsorship reflects a belief in art’s power to inspire and connect communities.

Past winners include Lebohang Kganye (2017), Patrick Rulore (2019), Nosiviwe Matikinca (2023) and Miné Kleynhans (2024). Juandré van Eck, who won merit in 2024 and the overall prize in 2025, will present his solo exhibition alongside the 2026 edition.

Various mediums

Van Eck said winning the competition gave him confidence to pursue further studies. “It’s been a catalyst for me to take the leap and register for my masters,” he said.

The competition is open to South African artists over 18 who have not held a solo exhibition. Artists represented by established galleries or agents, or employed as full-time lecturers in visual art or design, are not eligible.

Artists may submit up to two artworks across painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video and installations. Entry forms are available at www.sasolsignatures.co.za.

Entries must be submitted in person at one of eight collection points on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June between 10:00 and 16:00. The exhibition will run from 9 September to 8 November 2026 at the Pretoria Art Museum.

Chairperson Sidogi and Sasol art curator Cate Terblanche will provide online information videos and downloadable fact sheets to guide artists through the entry process.