Blessing Ngobeni Art Foundation announces open call for the 2024 Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize (BNAP)
Now in its eighth year, the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize (BNAP) award acknowledges excellence in emerging artists (under 35) specializing in sculpture, drawing, and painting, or mixed media
The Blessing Ngobeni Art Foundation has announced that submission of applications are now open for the 2024 Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize (BNAP), an award that is aimed at assisting young and emerging visual artists to launch their careers.
Now in its eighth year, the award acknowledges excellence in emerging artists (under 35) specializing in sculpture, drawing, and painting, or mixed media and provides an opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience.
According to the announcement, the foundation has also partnered with Dramatic Artistic Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), a multi-purpose collective management organisation (CMO) established in 1967, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for this year’s edition to launch the new DALRO VISUAL ARTS MERIT AWARD and the JSE ART COLLECTION ACQUISITION.
Per the announcement, The DALRO VISUAL ARTS MERIT AWARD is a 9 months residency aimed at emerging artists from South Africa. “The winner of this prestigious award will receive a studio space for 9 months at ELLIS HOUSE ART BUILDING, a living stipend and a solo exhition at the DALRO GALLERY in Johannesburg,” it revealed. “This residency will run concurrently with the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Residency.”
It also added: “This year’s Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Residency offers applicants a unique opportunity to selected as finalists for a group exhibition at The Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Where an overall winner will be announced and go on to host their solo exhibition at the prestigious Everard Read Gallery in Cape Town.”
Benefits of the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize
A 3-months furnished studio space at Ellis House in Johannesburg.
A twelve-week studio residency in Johannesburg from 1 June – 31 August 2024.
Bi-weekly meetings with the administrators of BNAP Foundation.
Access to a curated program of workshops.
A solo exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery Cape Town in October 2024.
A materials budget for art production while in residence.
A monthly living stipend. Flights and accommodation to Cape Town for their solo exhibition.
Expectations from artist
Attend bi-weekly meetings with the administrators of the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize.
Produce new and exciting works for a solo exhibition at the Everard Read gallery.
Complete a written report on completion of the residency.
Arrive on time and stay for the full period (12 weeks).
Participated on workshops that will be coordinated for the residency.
Work from the studio that will be provided.
Attend events coordinated or suggested by the BNAP team.
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Selection Criteria
Artists must be between the ages of 18 -35 yrs.
Artists must be based in South Africa.
International artists interested in applying for the BNAP award are welcome to do so but must cover their own visa, flights, and accommodation costs.
Artists must have never held a solo exhibition.
Artists should not be represented by a gallery/artist manager.
Artists must be willing to commit and avail themselves for the full duration of their residency.
Winning artists will be expected to attend workshops and write a detailed report at the end of their residency.
How to apply
Visit the announcement page for the application link and more information. Follow bnartprize on socials for further updates.
