Win big with the Norval Student Art Prize 2026

The Norval Foundation is inviting young artists to participate in the 2026 Norval Student Art Prize competition. Using the theme “DREAM”, students from Grade 1 to 12 are encouraged to submit artworks that explore their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for the future of South Africa. Artists selected for the competition will have the opportunity to display their work in an exhibition at the Norval Foundation, gaining valuable exposure in a renowned cultural institution.

In addition to the honour of being exhibited, there are a variety of exciting prizes up for grabs, designed to support and encourage emerging artists. Read on to find out the criteria and how to enter your child into the competition.

All the Details of the Competition

The 2026 Norval Student Art Prize centres on the theme “DREAM”. This theme encourages young artists to reflect on what a better South Africa could look like in the future, using their visual storytelling to express their thoughts and hopes for the country. The initiative not only promotes artistic creativity but also encourages learners to think about their futures and how they can effect change, not only for themselves but for the world at large.

This theme is inspired by the current exhibition Tanda rima by Portia Zvavahera, a striking, personal body of work that showcases the artist’s dreams, experiences, and ambitions through dripping, dynamic visuals. Learners are encouraged to explore these same themes of imagination, memory, and what is possible in their submissions.

There are four age categories for the Art Prize: Foundation Phase (Grades 1-3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6), Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) and FET Phase (Grades 10-12). Each entry is judged separately according to its grade category.

NOTE: Applications close on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The winners’ work is exhibited on 16 June 2026 (Youth Day).

Students are required to submit an original 2D artwork (A4 or A3), that can include drawings, paintings, mixed media, and textural work. Each artwork must be accompanied by a short written or recorded explication that provides insight into the concept and its inspiration.

What’s Up for Grabs for the Norval Student Art Prize

There will be first-, second-, and third-place winners in each age category. The first-place winners in each category will receive Extra Mural Art Lessons at the acclaimed Peter Clarke Art Centre in Vredenhof, Claremont, for six months.

The second- and third-place winners in each category will receive a pack of art supplies from ARTSAUCE and a Norval Foundation publication of their choice.