10 reasons emerging artists should enter this visual arts competition
For more than six decades, the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition has played a defining role in discovering and elevating South Africa’s emerging visual artists.
As the country’s longest-running and one of its most prestigious platforms for new artistic talent, the competition continues to open doors for artists looking to build sustainable creative careers.
With just over two weeks to go until submissions – here are 10 reasons why emerging artists should consider entering the 2026 competition:
1. Be Part of South Africa’s Longest-Running Art Competition: Established more than 60 years ago by the Association of Arts Pretoria, Sasol New Signatures has a proud legacy of launching the careers of some of South Africa’s most respected contemporary artists. The competition remains one of the country’s most recognised platforms for emerging talent.
2. Gain National Exposure: Artists selected in the top 100 have their works exhibited at the Pretoria Art Museum, giving them valuable visibility among curators, collectors, galleries, media and the broader art-loving community.
3. Be Included in a Professional Catalogue: Finalists’ works are featured in a professionally produced printed and digital catalogue, creating an important portfolio asset and permanent record of participation in the competition.
4. Open to New Voices and Untapped Talent: The competition is open to South African citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and older working in any visual artistic medium, with no upper age limit. Artists who have not yet held a solo exhibition, excluding academic showcases such as graduate exhibitions, are eligible to enter, making Sasol New Signatures an accessible platform for emerging talent.
5. Significant Prize Money Is Up for Grabs & A Solo Exhibition Opportunity: The overall winner receives R100 000 and the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum the following year – a major career milestone for any emerging artist. The runner-up receives R25 000, while five merit award winners each receive R10 000. Winning Sasol New Signatures is not only about prize money.
6. A Truly National Competition with Accessible Collection Points: Sasol New Signatures is a nationwide competition, open to emerging artists from across South Africa. To make participation as accessible as possible, artworks can be submitted through eight collection points located in key regions across the country. This national footprint ensures that artists are not limited by geography and can easily enter the competition.
7. Access Valuable Artist Resources: Sasol New Signatures offers artists access to a range of helpful online resources, guidelines and preparation tools designed to support entrants and strengthen submissions and as they move forward in their careers. Artists who progress into the winners’ circle also benefit from mentorship and guidance from Sasol New Signatures stakeholders and industry professionals, providing valuable insight, exposure and support as they navigate the next stage of their artistic careers
8. Connect with the Art Industry: The competition creates important networking opportunities with fellow artists, curators, judges, academics, collectors and art professionals from across South Africa. Many former finalists and winners have gone on to establish successful national and international careers.
9. All mediums are welcome: From painting, drawing and sculpture to photography, installation, ceramics, video and mixed media, the competition embraces diverse forms of contemporary visual expression and encourages innovation and experimentation.
10. It can launch your career: For many artists, Sasol New Signatures has served as a launchpad into the professional art world. Beyond awards and exhibitions, finalists benefit from media exposure, PR support and recognition that can open doors to future exhibitions, gallery representation and collecting opportunities.
Emerging artists from across South Africa are encouraged to seize the opportunity and enter their work, challenge creative boundaries and become part of one of the country’s most influential contemporary art legacies. Artists must submit their entries in person at one of eight collection points around South Africa on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June 2026 between 10h00 to 16h00. Entry forms are available for downloading from the competition’s website. www.sasolsignatures.co.za
