Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition launches nationwide call for entries
By CityLife Arts Writer
The Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, South Africa’s longest-running art competition, is delighted to open its call for entries for the 2026 edition, marking 64 years of discovering, nurturing and elevating emerging artistic talent across the country.
A long-standing and influential part of South Africa’s cultural landscape, Sasol New Signatures continues to provide a powerful platform for emerging visual artists at the start of their careers, offering not only recognition, but also meaningful opportunities for growth, mentorship and national exposure.
The overall winner will receive R100 000, the runner-up R25 000, and five merit award winners R10 000 each. In addition, the winner is awarded the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2027. This a defining milestone that enables the artist to fully realise and present a body of work in a professional museum setting.
Each year, approximately 100 finalists are selected to exhibit at the Pretoria Art Museum, with their work documented in competition’s printed catalogue, cementing their place within the evolving narrative of South African contemporary art.
“For over six decades, Sasol New Signatures, alongside the Association of Art Pretoria, has been instrumental in shaping the future of South African art. It is a platform that not only recognises excellence but also actively supports artistic growth, offering emerging artists the tools, exposure and confidence to take the next step in their creative careers. We encourage artists to enter and seize this opportunity to become the next ‘New Signature’ in South African art, ” said PfunzoSidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures.
NoziphoMlambo, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships said: “Our continued sponsorship of Sasol New Signatures for the last 36 years reflects a deep belief in the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect communities. Supporting emerging artists is an investment in the country’s cultural future, and we are proud to play a role in helping new voices be seen and heard.”
Sasol New Signatures offers emerging artists a powerful platform to grow their careers and gain national recognition. Many past finalists and winners have used the competition as a breakthrough moment, going on to build successful artistic careers. Finalists benefit from valuable exposure to curators, collectors, galleries and the broader art community. Being selected as a finalist to exhibit at the Pretoria Art Museum adds meaningful credibility to an artist’s portfolio and CV.
The life-changing impact of Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition is echoed by its alumni:
LebohangKganye (Winner 2017) “Sasol New Signatures marks an important milestone in my artistic oeuvre. It provided the support to develop my practice even further and introduced a new audience to my work”.
Patrick Rulore (Winner 2019) “Winning Sasol New Signatures placed me in the spotlight and gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten by myself. It changed the way I view the art world and also affirmed my significance as an artist. After winning, my vision sharpened and it has strengthened my discipline, focus and direction”.
Nosiviwe Matikinca ( Winner 2023) “The competition really changed my life and showed me that my dreams are valid and I can achieve anything. It opened so many doors and opportunities that I will be forever grateful for. I encourage all emerging artists to enter. it allows you to showcase your talent to a wider audience and to tell meaningful stories through your work.”
Themba Mkhangeli (Runner-up 2023, Merit Award 2024) “Sasol New Signatures provided me with a great opportunity to engage with different environments, meet new people and artists, and grow my career. It’s not just about winning, it’s about discovering opportunities that can help your career grow bigger and better.”
MinéKleynhans (Winner 2024) “Winning Sasol New Signatures 2024 propelled my career forward. It enabled me to really delve into my practice and rise to the challenge of putting together a solo show. Emerging artists should enter this competition, it’s the gateway to new opportunities, mentorship and substantial financial support to realise your dreams”.
Alongside the 2026 exhibition, Juandré van Eck, merit award winner in 2024 and overall winner in 2025, will present his highly anticipated solo exhibition, awarded as part of his prize. Reflecting on his artistic journey so far, he commented: “Making it to the top 7 in 2024 was a turning point for me as it confirmed I was on the right path. Before Sasol came along, I was hesitant, but it actually pushed me to pursue my honours degree. Winning Sasol New Signatures has given me newfound confidence and inner peace. It’s been a catalyst for me to take the leap and register for my masters. Juggling my masters’ and solo exhibition is a journey, but I’m finally feeling like I can truly own my identity as an artist.”
Sasol New Signatures is open to South African artists over the age of 18 who have not yet held a solo exhibition, with eight regional collection points across the country ensuring broad access and the opportunity for artists from across South Africa to enter the competition with up two artworks each across multiple artistic mediums – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video and installations. Artists who are represented by established galleries or agents, or who are employed as full-time lecturers in visual art or design, are not eligible to enter.
Chairperson PfunzoSidogi and Sasol Art Curator Cate Terblanche will lead the educational initiative, helping to simplify the entry process and guide artists in meeting both the technical and conceptual requirements of the competition in the form of online information videos and downloadable fact sheets.
Artists must submit their entries in person at one of eight collection points around South Africa on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June 2026 between 10h00 to 16h00. Entry forms are available for downloading from the competition’s website www.sasolsignatures.co.za
.The 2026 Sasol New Signatures exhibition, showcasing the work of the finalists, will be held at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday 9 September to Sunday 8 November 2026.