Time for talented illustrators to enter the American Express and Keyes Art Mile Jacaranda Art Challenge and win good bucks
By CityLife Arts Writer
If you think you have what it takes to create an illustration that represent the season of the colourful Jacaranda blooms that are dotting the top of the trees especially around Johannesburg northern suburbs and of course the Jacaranda City of Pretoria, here is an opportunity to enter and possibly win good bucks.
“American Express, in collaboration with Keyes Art Mile, is proud to announce the launch of the Jacaranda Art Challenge 2024. The challenge, organised by Nedbank, the authorised card issuer and merchant acquirer of American Express in South Africa, is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, andcreativity set against the backdrop of South Africa’s iconic purple Jacaranda trees.
The Jacaranda Art Challenge calls on emerging and established South African
illustrators, graphic artists and designers to help “count down” to the start of Jacaranda season, creating artworks that capture the essence, spirit and beauty of this much-anticipated time of year when these iconic flowers bloom. The submission
deadline is 28 October 2024 through this platform. Artists are invited to submit bold and original vector-based designs,” the organizers said.
A R20,000 grand prize will be awarded by Nedbank to the winning artist. The
winning work will be transformed into a large-scale vinyl mural on the facade of
Keyes Art Mile’s Trumpet building. It will be revealed at the Keyes Art Night event on 7 November 2024. This monthly art event is a must-attend on the local cultural calendar and offers a unique opportunity for art lovers, the public, and the creative community to gather and enjoy a night of art, culture, and connection.
Enter here:
The Jacaranda tree has become a symbol of Johannesburg’s seasonal renewal, blooming across the city and inspiring countless artists and visitors alike. This challenge not only celebrates this visual spectacle but also provides a significant platform for the winning artist, offering major exposure as their artwork will be prominently displayed at Keyes Art Mile and seen by a wide audience of art enthusiasts, cultural influencers, and the broader public.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, says: “American Express, is delighted that Nedbank is hosting the Jacaranda Art Challenge, a new opportunity to support the art community
in South Africa. “We look forward to the reveal of the artwork during the next edition of First Thursdays at Keyes Art Mile, which has been a fantastic way to offer exclusive experiences for American Express Card Members and engage them with the talented local art scene over the past year.”
“Art has the power to transform spaces and bring communities together, and we are excited to see how artists interpret this special season in their own unique ways. In partnership with American Express, Nedbank is thrilled to be hosting such an exciting celebration of creativity with the Keyes Art Mile, and continuing to give our Card Members new and exciting ways to engage with the arts in Johannesburg,” says Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing at
Nedbank.