NORVAL STUDENT ART PRIZE 2025
Theme: TO BELONG
Exhibition Dates: 16 June 2025 – 22 February 2026
Norval Foundation is proud to present the Norval Student Art Prize 2025 exhibition, showcasing the 13 winning artworks selected from hundreds of entries submitted by learners across the Western Cape. These exceptional pieces respond to the theme TO BELONG, inspired by the museum’s landmark exhibition, We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa.
This annual exhibition celebrates the artistic talent and powerful perspectives of young South Africans aged 7 to 18, whose works reflect deeply on identity, community, and the meaning of belonging. Each winning artwork is accompanied by a personal statement, written by the artist, offering insight into their creative process and lived experiences.
ABOUT THE PRIZE
The Norval Student Art Prize is an annual initiative that invites school learners to engage with social and historical themes through art. It aims to amplify youth voices, promote arts education, and provide a platform for emerging young artists within a professional museum context.
Artworks were assessed by a panel of five expert judges:
- Tayla Hollamby | Exhibition Manager, Norval Foundation
- Leigh Leyde | Art Specialist, Strauss & Co.
- Nobukho Nqaba | Curator & Education Coordinator, Irma Stern Museum
- Talia Naiker | Education Manager, Zeitz MOCAA
- Cindie Ah Ling | Principal, Peter Clarke Art Centre
Judging criteria included:
- Relevance to the theme
- Concept or story
- Emotional resonance
- Use of technique and materials
- Originality and creative thinking
PRIZES & SPONSORS
Winners have been selected across four categories:
- Foundation Phase (Grades 1–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
- Senior Phase (Grades 7–9)
- FET Phase (Grades 10–12)
1st Place winners in each category receive six months of Extra Mural Art Classes at the Peter Clarke Art Centre.
An additional wild card bursary is awarded to one exceptional learner entering Grade 10 in 2026, covering full tuition in Design or Visual Arts at Peter Clarke Art Centre.
2nd and 3rd Place winners in each category receive an art pack from ARTSAUCE and a Norval Foundation publication of their choice.
This initiative is made possible with the generous support of our partners:
