Cape Town, South Africa – On 4 February 2025, the Norval Foundation, in collaboration with The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), will officially unveil the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2025 sponsored by Schroders Finalists’ Exhibition. This marks the fourth year of the prestigious award, which celebrates contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora. The exhibition will be open to the public at the Norval Foundation from 4 February to 20 April 2025.

The Finalists’ Exhibition showcases the work of 26 artists from 16 African nationalities, offering a dynamic and diverse representation of contemporary African art. The featured artworks span various mediums – including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media – and reflect the unique cultural narratives, social commentary, and innovative practices that define the continent’s art scene today.

The Prize invites contemporary artists, nominated by a board of independent art professionals, to enter online. The judging panel then shortlists the best artworks from a range of digital images.

The judges will visit the exhibition in person and select their Grand Prize winner, the name of who will be announced on 18 February 2025. This artist will receive a cash prize of US$35,000 and a solo exhibition at the Foundation in 2026; in addition will be  the announcement of the first-ever FAMM Women’s Prize winner, who receives a $5,000 cash prize. The invite only event will celebrate the outstanding talent of contemporary African artists, and coincide with not only Investec Cape Town Art Fair week but the exhibition opening of Billie Zangewa: Breeding Ground at Norval Foundation.

The NSAAP is also a key fundraising initiative for the Norval Foundation Learning Centre, which supports art education and community engagement. To further this mission, an online benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co will run from 4 February to  13 March 2025 featuring all shortlisted artworks. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the artists and the Learning Centre, furthering both individual careers and educational outreach.

Previous winners of The NSAAP include Famakan Magassa (b.1997, Mali), Bonolo Kavula (b.1992, South Africa),  and Alioune Daigne (b. 1985, Senegal).

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Sponsored by Schroders Finalists’ Exhibition is curated by Carmen Joubert. Click here for full list of participating artists.