All About The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 aims to increase the international exposure of artists living in Africa or are working in the African diaspora. Launched in 2021, they also raise funds for art-focused education programmes on the continent.
Kondi Nkosi, Country Head South Africa at Schroders, the title sponsor, says: “As a global investment manager with a strong local presence and a high regard for the rich cultural diversity of the African continent, we’re proud to play a role in advancing the careers and international exposure of these talented artists while also supporting the education of African learners through art and creativity.”
Subsequently, there are four stages of the competition:
1. Nomination of leading contemporary artists.
2. The judging panel shortlists 30 artworks.
3. Exhibition at Norval Foundation for further judging and public voting.
4. The prize giving.
Nominating Leading Contemporary Artists
A board of independent art professionals keep their eyes peeled for the best contemporary artworks in Africa. Thereafter, the artists of these works are invited to enter their pieces into the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize competition.
This year, the board nominators came from all over Africa and Europe. It spanned seventeen African countries and eleven international countries.
Anissa Touati, a nominator from France, says: “Being a nominator of the prize enabled me to constantly seek out African artists living on the continent or with a foothold in Africa. This experience has allowed me to forge meaningful collaborations and establish strong connections with artists, curators and galleries.”
Shortlisting 30 Most Accomplished Artworks
The judging panel consisting of five global art specialists and critics, shortlist the 30 most accomplished artworks from the range of digital entries.
Thato Mogotsi is the Assistant Curator at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Raphael Chikukwa is the Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Same Mduli is an African artist, art historian, art curator and writer. Simon Njami is an independent curator, lecturer art critic and novelist. Lastly, Tim Marlow is the Chief Executive and Director at Design Museum.
Together, these five specialists sift through the vast range of digital entries and cull it down to just 30 works. However, their job is not over just yet as they need to narrow it down to just one winner.
Exhibition at Norval Foundation
The 30 shortlisted artworks are exhibited at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town. This is also where they are judged for a second time. In addition, the public are invited to cast their vote too. The exhibition takes place from 4 February to 20 April 2025.
Norval Foundation Museum Director, Caroline Greyling, says: “Over the years, the prize has seen the participation of incredible artists from around the continent and the 2025 year is no different, which includes 29 artists from 18 African countries.”
Announcing The Winner & Auctioning Process
Nevertheless, all competitions have to have a winner and the Norval Sovereign Art Prize is no different. On 18 February 2025, the judging panel will announce the Norval Sovereign African Art Grand Prize winner. This artist receives $35 000 in cash and a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation in the future.
In addition to this, the public’s favourite artist wins $2 000, so your vote really does count. And, the newest prize is the $5 000 FAMM Women’s Prize. Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins donates this prize and it is awarded to the highest rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize winner).
Christian Levett of FAMM says: “At FAMM, our mission is to restore the place that women artists deserve in art history, while championing the work of contemporary female creators. We aim to build an inclusive art history that celebrates cultural diversity and enriches the global narrative.”
Finally, the other shortlisted works are auctioned at a charity auction. This year, it closes on 13 March. The proceeds are evenly split between the artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. The Grand Prize-winning work will also be auctioned, with the winner and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre receiving 35% and 65% of the proceeds respectively.
Through this thorough process, the artists gain international recognition and global praise for their contemporary works. So, if you are in or around Cape Town, be sure to visit the Norval Foundation and cast your vote for the best contemporary art piece at the exhibition. Additionally, online votes can be cast here.
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