Open call: Standard Bank Young Artist Awards 2024

This year, NAF will expand its search for the Standard Bank Young Artists by creating a small window for nominations from the artistic community. Nominations for artists to be  considered for the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards will be accepted until 19 August 2024. These nominations will be included in a pool of candidates for the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award title for the consideration of the artistic committee.

NAF awards the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Awards to recognise exceptional South African artists under the age of 35. These awards are envisioned as career catalysts for talented young artists across various disciplines.

The Standard Bank Young Artist 2024 winners will receive:

• A personal cash prize.
• A production budget to present new work at the National Arts Festival in 2025.
• Boosted marketing, visibility and recognition in the year ahead.

The NAF artistic committee selects the Standard Bank Young Artist winners each year. For the 2024 winners, the artistic committee will open for a short and limited period, the possibility for members of the arts community to nominate contenders for the Standard Bank Young Artist awards for consideration. Should the public wish to nominate someone for the artistic committee’s consideration, they can do so through this form before 18 August. 

Note: The final selection of award winners sits with the artistic committee and NAF artistic director.

Terms and conditions

• Nominees must be persons who have established their artistic careers in South African and who are living and working in South Africa.
• Nominees must be 35 years or younger before the first day of NFA 2025 (26 June).
• Nominations can be submitted for any of the listed disciplines: music, visual arts, jazz, theatre, dance, performance art, etc.
• Nominees must not have received a Standard Bank Young Artist Award in the past.
• Self-nominations are not permitted.
• The nomination package should include a compelling statement outlining the nominee’s artistic journey, achievements, and impact.
• A CV/resume and portfolio showcasing their work are also required. 
• Incomplete nominations will not be reviewed.

View the original call here.