SASOL NEW SIGNATURES INFORMATION SESSION UNPACKED

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the Information Session Roadshow could not take place around South Africa.  Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi hosted an online discussion on the ins and outs of the Sasol New Signatures competition for entrants to watch and understand the submission process. Some of the imported questions have also been highlighted below. 

Your Questions answered:

Do I have to be a student to enter?  No, not at all!  All South African artists who are 18 years or older, who have not yet held a solo exhibition (except for an exhibition that was held for academic purposes) can enter.

Do I have to be a South African citizen? Yes! Only artists who are South African citizens or permanent residents may participate in the competition.

Why should I enter? Sasol New Signatures is established as South Africa’s oldest and most respected art competition. This is a brilliant opportunity to participate in a national art competition and get recognised as an artist to watch if selected to be included in the catalogue and add to your artist CV.

Is there prize money up for grabs? The first prize is R100 000 and an opportunity for a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. The runner-up receives  R25 000 and five merit awards get R10 000 each.The prize money is very attractive. However, entrants are encouraged to focus on the experience and the possibility of being selected for the prestigious catalogue.

How many works may I enter? Artists may enter a maximum of two works only.  The maximum size of a single entry is 250 cm x 250 cm x 250 cm.  Entries in any medium may be entered.

Where do I get an entry form?   A downloadable entry form is available on the Sasol New Signatures website and at Collection Points and various university art departments.  http://www.sasolsignatures.co.za/

The following documentation must accompany all entries

  1. Completed and signed entry form;
  2. Copy of Identity Document OR Permit of Permanent Residence;
  3. Colour photograph of the work (for reference only);
  4. Biography of no longer than 250 words;
  5. Conceptual statement/synopsis of no longer than 250 words that outlines the central idea of the work; and
  6. Assembly, maintenance and disassembling instructions (if applicable).

Help – what is an artist statement? Your entry must be accompanied by your conceptual statement/synopsis that outlines the work’s central idea. This must not be longer than 250 words. Approach a mentor to assist you if you are struggling and keep it short.

I can’t afford to frame my work… Work does not have to be framed. But all hanging accessories need to be supplied. For example a dowel rod and bull-dog clips if you are hanging a print. Make sure the art work is clean - no fingerprints. If you are confused please read the entry form carefully.

How does the judging process work? The most important thing to understand is that all judging is underpinned by full transparency! Works are judged individually, based on the concept, use of material, quality of craftsmanship, and skill demonstrated

What is the purpose of Regional Judging? Each regional collection point has a panel of regional judges. These judges select the best entries submitted which are then entered into the final round.  Works that are not suitable are eliminated, including those that do not comply with entry requirements, show inadequate craftsmanship, or are not ready for exhibition.

Where can I enter my work? Entries must be submitted to one of the regional collection points on 7 and 8 September 2021 ONLY between 10h00 & 16h00.

  • Bloemfontein: Oliewenhuis Art Museum
  • Cape Town: Art B Gallery
  • Durban: KZNSA Gallery
  • Johannesburg: FADA Building, University of Johannesburg
  • Polokwane: Polokwane Art Museum
  • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Bird Street Gallery, Nelson Mandela University
  • Pretoria: Pretoria Art Museum

What happens to my work if it is selected? Selected works from the regions are taken to the Pretoria Art Museum by Stuttafords Van Lines. Here they are photographed for the catalogue by a professional photographer and curated for the final exhibition, which opens

What happens to my work if it is not selected? You must collect your work on the specified date (refer .35 on the entry form). You will not be reminded to fetch your work from the collection point. Your work will be disposed of if alternative arrangements have not been made with the organisers.

To view the full Info Session video – click here