The Norval Foundation is inviting young artists to participate in the 2025 Norval Student Art Prize competition. Inspired by the powerful themes of belonging and democracy, which are explored in the Foundation’s current exhibitions, this competition offers a unique platform for young creatives to showcase their talent. 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 2025 Norval Student Art Prize, inspired by the “We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa” exhibition, centers on the theme “To Belong.” This theme encourages young artists to reflect on what belonging means to them, challenging them to express their personal understanding of identity, community, and democracy. The initiative not only promotes artistic creativity but also educates learners about South Africa’s history and the importance of living in a democratic society where their voices and rights matter.
In addition to fostering artistic expression, the Norval Student Art Prize helps raise awareness of the Norval Foundation, engaging new audiences such as schools and communities that may not be familiar. It also encourages school visits to the museum, offering students inspiration for their art submissions while increasing educational visits early in the year.
There are four age categories for the Art Prize, these being Foundation Phase (7-9yrs), Intermediate Phase (10-12yrs), Senior Phase (13-15yrs) and FET Phase (16-18yrs), and each entry will be judged separately according to their grade category. Entry for artworks to be submitted opens on 17 March 2025 and closes on 12 May 2025. Winning artworks will be showcased in an exhibition at Norval Foundation, which opens on 16 June 2025.
There will be a designated panel of judges’ who will be judging each artwork using a point system according to a set of criteria. The Criteria used to judge the artworks include relevance to the theme, concept, evocativeness of the piece, the use of technique and materials, and originality.
What’s Up for Grabs for the Norval Student Art Prize
There will be a first, second and third-place winner in each age category. 1st place winners’ in each category will receive Extra Mural Art Lessons at Peter Clarke Art Centre for six months, based in Vredenhof, Claremont.
Second and third winners’ place in each category will receive a pack of art supplies from ARTSAUCE and a Norval Foundation publication of choice. There will also be a wild card winner, who will receive a Grade 10 FET Design/Visual Art bursary for 2026 at Peter Clarke Art Centre.
How to Enter the Norval Student Art Prize
The application form for entry into the Norval Student Art Prize is available on the Norval website.
Entry is free but requires the signing of the terms and conditions.
Requirements: A 2-dimensional artwork (A4 or A3 size) along with a short story, written or recorded, by the learner that explains their piece. This artwork may include an audio-visual element for inclusivity.
Important dates:
Applications open: 17 March 2025
Applications close: 12 May 2025
Exhibition opening: 16 June 2025 (Youth Day)
Exhibition closing: 22 February 2026
Website: norvalfoundation.org
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 087 654 5900
Instagram: @norvalfoundation
Facebook: @NorvalFoundation
