Open call: ACT x Afro Geek Rising Talent Competition

The competition forms part of ACT’s continued partnership with Afro Geek Fest, following the organisations’ first collaboration in 2025, when ACT alumni showcased their work at the festival. The 2026 initiative focuses on creating opportunities for emerging visual artists to interpret African heroes through original artwork.

Sponsored by XP-Pen, the competition invites eligible alumni to design a graphic novel or book cover featuring an African superhero. Participants may create an original superhero character or reinterpret an existing African hero in their own visual style.

According to the organisers, the competition aims to encourage visual storytelling inspired by African culture, mythology, futurism, fantasy, science fiction and community experiences.

Afro Geek owner Tapelo Zama said the partnership aligns with the festival’s mission of supporting African creatives.

“Our purpose as Afro Geek has always been to champion African storytellers, artists and innovators by creating opportunities for them to showcase their talent and build sustainable creative careers. Partnering with the Arts & Culture Trust on the Rising Talent Competition perfectly reflects that vision.”

He added that XP-Pen’s sponsorship would help support emerging artists.

“We’re also honoured to have XP-PEN as the sponsor of this initiative. By investing in emerging artists and providing them with the tools to bring their ideas to life, XP-PEN is playing an important role in nurturing creative excellence. Their support makes opportunities like this possible, and we are sincerely grateful to have them join us in empowering South Africa's rising creative voices.”

ACT chief executive Jessica Denyschen said the initiative provides a platform for young artists to engage with Pan-African storytelling.

“ACT believes deeply in the power of community and art. This partnership with Afro Geek gives ACT alumni an exciting opportunity to see their creativity in conversation with Pan-African geek culture, township pride and the visual language of heroes. It is especially meaningful to create space for young artists to imagine African heroes and to see themselves, their communities and their stories reflected back with pride.”

The winning artist will receive an XP-Pen drawing tablet.

Eligibility

• Open only to ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Visual and Digital Arts alumni.
• Entries must be original artworks.
• AI-generated or AI-assisted submissions will not be accepted.

Key dates

• Entries open: 28 July 2026
• Submit here before 11 August 2026
• Shortlist announcement: 15 August 2026
• Winner announced: 22 August 2026 at Afro Geek Fest