The nationwide search for the best emerging artists in South Africa has begun. Now in its 24th year of sponsorship, Sasol today announced the launch of the 2013 Sasol New Signatures art competition. The competition, which was established by the Association of Arts Pretoria, is currently the longest running national art competition in South Africa.

Building on the success of previous years, the Sasol New Signatures art competition aims at celebrating the immense talent that exists in the country, while providing a reputable platform for artists to showcase their work and build their profile in the industry.

“We are committed to discovering and developing South Africa’s freshest art talent. As a company, we are proud to be part of an initiative that has made an impact on the South African arts landscape and launched the successful careers of many previous finalists,” said Richard Hughes, Sasol’s Sponsorship Manager.

The competition winner will receive R60 000 in cash, as well as the unique opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. The runner up will receive a cash prize of R20 000 and the five merit winners will each be awarded R5000.

Sasol will also provide university students with a valuable educational opportunity through its national information sessions. These sessions aim to equip students with knowledge around the judging process, insights into the competition, advice on conceptualisation, display and presentation of work.

Building on the theme “Emerge”, Hughes said, “Last year, the competition saw close to 500 entries submitted and we plan to attract even more entrants this year. The theme aims to encourage up and coming artists to spearhead their careers by entering the competition. Entrants are also encouraged to reveal their talent and a spirit of artistic innovation through their work,” explained Hughes.

The finalists’ work will be judged by a panel of highly esteemed judges lead by award winning artist and art instructor, Peter Binsbergen. With a record of 18 hugely successful solo exhibitions and works, which have been showcased in both South Africa and abroad, Binsbergen knows first-hand what it takes to be successful in the industry.

“We are looking for artists who represent authenticity, innovation and perceptiveness. South Africa’s art industry is continuing to evolve and grow. It is therefore important that we award work that can connect with the new generation of art consumers,” said Binsbergen, Chairman of Sasol New Signatures art competition’s judging panel.

“The competition not only welcomes traditional art forms but we also encourage participants who represent the more contemporary aspects of visual art including digital and even performance art,” continued Binsbergen.

New, innovative artists who believe they have what it takes to make an impact in the industry are encouraged to submit one or two artworks at one of several collection points around the country between Tuesday, 2 July 2013 and Wednesday, 3 July 2013. The competition is open to artists who are 18 and older and have not held a solo exhibition (a body of at least 20 works exhibited in a commercial gallery) except for academic purposes.

Artists can visit www.sasolsignatures.co.za or contact the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100 for further information regarding the competition.

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