Entries are now officially open for the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, South Africa’s premier platform for emerging visual artists. Now in its 35th year of Sasol’s sponsorship, Sasol New Signatures remains the most prestigious platform for emerging artists to break into the professional art world. It is a launchpad for creative careers, a celebration of bold and fresh ideas, and a testament to the transformative power of visual storytelling and the ability of art to inspire, challenge, and connect.

Under the custodianship of the Association of Arts Pretoria, the Sasol New Signatures has a proud legacy of launching the careers of some of South Africa’s most respected and recognisable contemporary artists. Many former winners and finalists have gone on to establish themselves nationally and internationally, having their work showcased in leading galleries, museums, and biennales. Some of the most notable names to emerge from the past 35 years of Sasol’s patronage of the competition include: Candice Breitz (Merit 1991), Johan Thom (Judge’s award 2001), Mohau Modisakeng (Winner 2011), Haroon Gunn-Salie (Merit 2013), Lebohang Kganye (Winner 2017), and Patrick Rulore (Winner 2019).

“We are delighted to once again open the call for entries to South Africa’s longest-running and respected art competition,” said Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures. “Thanks to the continued support from Sasol and our logistical partner, Stuttaford Van Lines, the competition is free to enter, making it one of the most accessible high-profile competitions in the country. Sasol New Signatures remains both inclusive and artistically rigorous, dedicated to showcasing emerging talent. We are looking for work that is original, bold in vision, and capable of sparking thought and emotion”. 

The competition is open to all South African artists aged 18 and older who have not yet held a solo exhibition, except for academic exhibitions such as those for a Master’s degree. Artists working across all visual media, from traditional painting and drawing, to printmaking, sculpture, photography, video, and installation, are encouraged to enter. 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.

The overall winner will receive R100 000, as well as the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026. The runner-up will receive R25 000, and five merit award winners will each receive R10 000.

“Sasol is proud to continue our 35-year journey with this competition as it aligns so closely with our commitment to nurturing South African creativity and innovation. Sasol New Signatures is more than just an art competition, it’s a space where potential is recognised, dreams are launched, and new chapters in the story of South African art are written” added Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships.

To support artists on their journey, Sasol New Signatures will once again offer a range of educational tools and resources to prospective entrants. This includes online Information Sessions, how-to tutorials, downloadable fact sheets and an informative blog. Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi and Sasol Art Curator Cate Terblanche will lead this educational campaign, designed to demystify the entry process and guide artists in meeting the technical and conceptual requirements of the competition.

 “It’s important to us that this competition remains inclusive and educational, while also maintaining the highest standards. Our online content provides invaluable guidance and insight into what makes a successful submission, and we encourage all artists to make use of these tools. The Sasol New Signatures website is a treasure trove of knowledge and includes past catalogues, finalist interviews and detailed entry information is readily available,” explained Cate Terblanche, Sasol Art Curator.

Submission Dates and Key Information

Artists must submit their entries in person at one of eight collection points around South Africa on: Tuesday, 10 and Wednesday, 11 June 2025 between 10h00 to 16h00.

Final judging will take place on Monday, 4 August 2025. The 2025 Sasol New Signatures exhibition, showcasing the work of the finalists, will be held at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday, 4 September to Sunday, 2 November 2025.

In addition to the finalist exhibition, 2024 winner Miné Kleynhans will unveil her much-anticipated solo exhibition showcasing a brand-new body of work that reflects her creative journey since winning the competition last year.

“While being selected as the overall winner is the ultimate accolade, even being named a finalist can be a turning point in an artist’s career,” said Sidogi. “It’s an opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated.”

If you’re ready to take the next step in your artistic journey and join the ranks of South Africa’s most exciting creative voices, enter the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition.