Norval Student Art Prize 2026

The Norval Foundation is an art museum dedicated to African modern and contemporary art, with a strong commitment to making art accessible to the public. Through the Norval Student Art Prize, we invite young people across the city to share their voices—expressing their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for the future of South Africa through art.

This year’s theme, DREAM, is inspired by the exhibition Tanda Rima by Portia Zvavahera, encouraging learners to explore imagination, memory, and possibility in their creative work.

The competition is open to all learners from Grades 1 to 12. To ensure fair judging, entries are grouped into four categories—Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and FET Phase—with winners selected within each group.

At Norval Foundation, we aim to champion African artists, expand access to art education, and foster cultural awareness. Through the Student Art Prize, we hope to inspire the next generation to engage meaningfully with art, develop their creative expression, and reflect on the future they wish to shape.

Winning artworks will be showcased in an exhibition at Norval Foundation, which opens on 16 June 2026. This provides a unique opportunity for student art to be featured in a prominent museum setting, reinforcing the value of young voices in the cultural landscape.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications open: 20 April 2026

Applications close: 24 May 2026

Exhibition opening: 16 June 2025 (Youth Day)

CRITERIA AND JUDGING

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:

  1. Relevance to the theme
  2. Concept or story
  3. Emotionally evocative
  4. Use of technique and/or art materials
  5. Originality/creative thinking

CATEGORIES

There are grade categories for judging purposes to ensure that learners of all ages can enter the NSAP and be judged fairly for their work.

  1. Foundation Phase: Grades 1-3 (7 – 9yrs)
  2. Intermediate Phase: Grades 4-6 (10-12yrs)
  3. Senior Phase: Grades 7-9 (13 – 15 yrs)
  4. FET Phase: Grades 10-12 (16-18 yrs)

REQUIREMENTS

  • Format: 2D artworks can be A4 or A3 size / 3D artworks or sculptures may be a maximum size of 30cmx30cm.
    Medium: You may use any medium or material
    The application form and indemnity form must be filled in, signed, and submitted with the artwork.
    The artwork must be relevant to the theme, Dream

PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded to all first, second and third place winners. Each grade category has its own set of winners. No monetary prizes will be awarded to any applicant.