Sasol New Signatures equips emerging artists through Online Information Sessions a head of 2026 Competition Submissions
By CityLife Arts Writer
The prestigious Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition is once again opening its virtual doors to aspiring artists through a series of online Information Sessions designed to guide and inspire entrants ahead of the 2026 competition.
As one of South Africa’s longest-running and most respected platforms for emerging visual artists, the annual competition is open to all South African artists over the age of 18 who have not yet held a solo exhibition, with the exception of exhibitions held for academic purposes, such as a master’s degree exhibition. Artists are invited to submit artworks across all artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video and installations, with entrants permitted to submit up to two artworks each.
The recorded Information Sessions offer practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights into the judging process and valuable guidance from previous winners, helping artists better prepare their submissions while gaining a deeper understanding of what makes a strong entry. The full length videos are available on the Sasol New Signatures YouTube channel and on the competition website, while shorter versions are shared on the Sasol New Signatures Instagram account.
Chairperson of the competition, Pfunzo Sidogi, together with Sasol Art Curator, Cate Terblanche, host the tutorial-style sessions, which are specifically aimed at helping prospective entrants ensure their works are competition-ready and of the high standard required for possible selection into the final exhibition and catalogue.
The 2026 sessions include:
· Information Session 1: Insights from the 2025 competition
· Information Session 2: What to consider when submitting your artwork(s)
· Information Session 3: Using the Pretoria Art Museum’s hanging system
· Information Session 4: A conversation with 2025 Overall Winner, Juandré van Eck
· Information Session 5: A conversation with 2019 Overall Winner, Patrick Rulore
Videos will be released throughout the month, so artists are encouraged to regularly check the Sasol New Signatures website and social media channels for new episodes.
In addition to the current sessions, artists can also access previous information sessions covering topics such as understanding the entry form and its requirements, compiling a clearly written biography and artist statement, and presenting artworks professionally and effectively.
“The information sessions are designed to help artists feel more confident and informed about the competition process while encouraging them to present their work authentically and professionally. The insights shared can be incredibly valuable not only for this competition, but also as artists continue to grow their careers within the broader art industry, said Sidogi.
Available on the Sasol New Signatures website, the resources extend far beyond the competition itself. Artists can access downloadable fact sheets, previous competition catalogues, artist interviews, blogs and virtual galleries that provide insight into entering the competition and building a sustainable artistic career.
“The information sessions and online resources are intended not only to support artists entering the competition, but also to serve as valuable professional development tools as artists continue their careers, join galleries, participate in group exhibitions and exhibit at art fairs,” added Terblanche.
Artworks for the 2026 competition can be submitted at collection points around the country on Tuesday, 9 June and Wednesday, 10 June from 10h00 to 16h00. A completed entry form and supporting documentation must accompany all submissions.
The winner of the 2026 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition will receive R100 000 and the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at the following year’s exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. The runner-up will receive R25 000, while five merit award winners will each receive R10 000. Approximately 100 artworks will be selected for inclusion in the official exhibition and catalogue.