The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024 is now accepting entries, marking the beginning of the search for South Africa’s newest artistic talents. With a theme of “Articulate,” the competition celebrates the universal human desire for self-expression and connection through art, transcending barriers of language, culture, and background. This year, a new collection point in Potchefstroom has been added, providing a platform for emerging artists from the North West Province region. The competition invites artists to submit works that defy traditional boundaries and expectations, emphasizing individuality and the power of art to unite.

Sasol New Signatures is renowned for supporting South Africa’s contemporary art scene and boosting exposure for emerging artists. Artists over 18 years old who haven’t had a solo exhibition are eligible to enter, including those who’ve exhibited for academic purposes. Entries are accepted in various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and video art. “As the key sponsor of this prestigious South African competition alongside the Association of Arts Pretoria, Sasol takes great pride in supporting emerging artists. It aligns with our values of supporting local talent and promoting creativity in our greater community. Sasol New Signatures has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many South African artists both locally and internationally since 1989. While winning is the ultimate goal, being selected as a finalist marks a significant milestone for any artist, and Sasol is thrilled to be part of this journey for many South African artists,” added  Sasol spokesperson Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager Group Brand and Sponsorship.

“The impact of Sasol New Signatures extends far beyond the competition itself. It has created a legacy of excellence in the arts, inspiring future generations of artists to pursue their passion and strive for artistic greatness. Sasol New Signatures is not just a competition; it’s a community. It brings artists, art lovers, and collectors together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the art world,” said Pieter van Heerden, Director of the Association of Arts Pretoria.

Entrants are encouraged to access the wealth of knowledge and information available on the Sasol New Signatures website to ensure that competition requirements and standards are met. Over the coming weeks, Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi and Sasol Art Curator, Cate Terblanche, will host informative online how-to tutorials with accompanying downloadable fact sheets to assist entrants in submitting their artworks. Blogs, imagery, and catalogues from previous years are also available to view.

The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on Wednesday, 4 September 2024. The winner will receive R100 000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. The runner-up will receive R25 000, and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10 000. The winning works will also be displayed at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday, 5 September to Sunday, 3 November 2024.

The 2023 Sasol New Signatures winner, Nosiviwe Matikinca, will hold her first solo exhibition alongside the official Sasol New Signatures 2024 exhibition, titled “UKUNGALINGANI KWEZEMFUNDO.” (Educational Inequality).

Entries for the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition  can be submitted  at one of several collection points across the country on Tuesday, 4 June and Wednesday, 5 June from 10:00 to 16:00 only.

• Johannesburg
  Sasol Place, 50 Katherine Street, Wierda Valley, Sandton
  Tel: 010 344 5000 (Sasol Place Main Reception) | Email: art@sasol.com 
• Cape Town
  Art B Gallery, Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville, Cape Town Tel: 021 444 6500 | Email: artb@artb.co.za 
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  Art on Target, 2 Target Kloof Road, Essexvale, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Tel: 041 373 3334 | Email: info@artontarget.co.za 
• Pretoria
  Pretoria Art Museum, corner Francis Baard and Wessels Streets, Arcadia Park, Pretoria
  Tel: 012 358 6750 | Email: artspta@mweb.co.za 
• Bloemfontein
  Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein Tel: 051 447 9609 | Email: education@nasmus.co.za 
• Durban
  KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban Tel: 031 277 1705 | Email: gallery@kznsagallery.co.za 
• Polokwane
  The Polokwane Art Museum, Library Gardens, corner Grobler & Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane Tel:0152902579/8|Email: AmosL@polokwane.gov.za 
• Potchefstroom
  Potchefstroom Museum, C/o Sol Plaatjie & Wolmarans Street, Potchefstroom
  Cell: 071 331 7029 / 082 397 9367 | Email: potchkuns@gmail.com 

For more information: www.sasolsignatures.co.za