Open call: 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards nominations

The awards are intended to serve as career catalysts by providing recipients with the following:

• A personal cash prize.
• A production budget to create and present new work at the 2026 National Arts Festival.
• Enhanced marketing and visibility.
• National recognition throughout the award year.

Each year, winners are selected by the National Arts Festival Artistic Committee. To support this process, the festival is inviting members of the arts community to submit nominations during a limited open call period.

Eligibility criteria:

• Nominees must have established their artistic careers in South Africa.
• Nominees must be 35 years old or younger before July 2026.
• Artists can be nominated in disciplines including music, visual arts, jazz, theatre, dance, performance art, or other recognised fields.
• Past winners of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award are not eligible.
• Self-nominations are not allowed.

Submission requirements:

A completed nomination form, divided into two sections:

• Section A: Details of the proposed artist.
• Section B: Information about the nominator.
• A written statement outlining the proposed artist’s artistic journey, achievements, and impact.
• A CV/resume or portfolio showcasing the artist’s work.
• Only complete submissions will be considered.

Nominations must be submitted online by 8 August 2025 at midnight (CAT).

Note:

• The final decision on award recipients rests solely with the artistic committee and artistic director.
• The festival will not engage with nominators or nominees regarding the outcome of submissions.

To submit a nomination, visit the National Arts Festival website. For enquiries, please contact: proposals@nationalartsfestival.co.za.