Countrywide art competition to be hosted in Ruimsig

Artists have been frustrated by the lack of exposure due to the lockdown, with no exhibitions or public displays, as none of the venues where they normally showed their work were operational.

A proactive decision had to be explored in the form of launching a countrywide art competition with alluring prizes, to provide a platform for artists to receive recognition for their hard work.

Mzansi Art Gallery, a Facebook gallery administered by Susan Allin and Sonwabe Mhletywa, was established in July 2020 with the purpose of bridging the obstacles brought by Covid-19.

Entry fees are R200 per entry, and entry forms and the rules are obtainable on the Facebook page, or by emailing Susan or Sonwabe at mzansicreativeart@gmail.com.

Three prestigious judges will be selecting the top 100 artworks, and entries close on 1 December 2020.

By 10 February 2021 the top 50 artworks will have been chosen, and on 20 February the final 10 will be announced.

These 10 finalists will be hosted at a gala event at Alice Art Gallery, Ruimsig on 6 March 2021, where the top three will be named.

“Depending on the number of entries, we would like to award R10 000 as a first prize, R5 000 for second place, and R3 000 for third place.

“Hopefully the other finalists will be given R1 000 prize money each and there will be media coverage of the gala event,” said Susan.

The prizes are from Ramkiki Country Estate, comprising one night’s accommodation for the winner and partner, as well as a meal voucher.

Alice Art Gallery will host the event and allow the winning artists wall space in the gallery for two weeks. Craft-up will avail a R1 000 voucher for art materials.

Susan and Petru le Grange will also be curating a live exhibition in the sumptuous main dining room at Ramkiki Country Estate, 35 Peter Road, Ruimsig, Roodepoort, on 5 December 2020.

Entries close on 1 December, and numbers are limited to 25 artists. Entry fees are R500 per artist.