Open call: 2027 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards

The awards have been presented for more than four decades, with previous recipients including Helen Sebidi, William Kentridge, Sibongile Khumalo, Mary Sibande, Yael Farber, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Neil Coppen, Zoe Modiga, Msaki, Koleka Putuma, Mandla Mlangeni, Gabi Motuba and Jefferson Tshabalala.

Artists from any discipline may be nominated. Previous categories have included music, visual arts, jazz, theatre, dance, performance art, poetry and film, although not all categories are awarded in every cycle. The selection is based on the strength and depth of an artist's body of work rather than adherence to specific categories.

National Arts Festival Artistic Director Rucera Seethal said the awards are intended to recognise artists who have developed distinctive practices and demonstrated sustained commitment to their work.

“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards recognises artists who have a distinct artistic voice, who are steadily pushing their practice forward and who have already built an excellent and recognised portfolio at home and have notable international engagements.”

Seethal said recipients would also benefit from the opportunity to develop and present new work at the 2027 National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship Bonga Sebesho said the partnership supports the development of emerging creative talent.

“Standard Bank remains proud to partner with the National Arts Festival in celebrating South Africa's next generation of creative talent. This year's nomination process advances our commitment to nurturing artists who shape, challenge and define our cultural narrative.”

Recipients will receive:

• National and international exposure and recognition.
• A monetary award.
• A production budget.
• Marketing and promotional support.
• An opportunity to develop and present new work at the 2027 National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

Eligibility and nominations

Artists nominated for the 2027 awards must:

• Be under 35 years old in 2027.
• Be South African artists working in any artistic discipline.
• Demonstrate exceptional ability and originality.
• Have an established body of work showing artistic development and commitment to their practice.

Nominations must be submitted online by 23:59 SAST on 31 August 2026.

The winners will be selected by the National Arts Festival’s Artistic Committee and Artistic Director and will be notified later in 2026.