Next Generation of African Artists

You may have heard of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in Ukraine? Google it if you haven't. In short it was founded in 2006 by a wealthy businessman, Victor Pinchuk. He loves collecting art and can afford to. He has founded one of the biggest centres for contemporary art in Eastern Europe. South African artists have created work there - Candice Breitz's series at the Joburg Art Fair last year was made during her time there. Like all important art centres they are interested in expression from the continent. The best way to get their attention, other than the usual ways of promoting your art via art fairs, is to enter The Future Generation Art Prize. They describe it as "a worldwide contemporary art prize created to discover, recognise and give long-term support to a future generation of artists." You can read more about it here

Nicholas Hlobo was shortlisted for the award in 2010 - in the year that Cinthia Marcelle from Brazil won. Kudzanai Chiurai made the shortlist in 2014 in the year that Nástio Mosquito from Angola won. Short listed artists's work is exhibited at the prestigious centre and then at the Venice Biennale, though of course, winning is a preferable outcome with the prize being US$ 100,000, which "is split between $60,000 in cash and $40,000 investment in the production of a new work." Five Special Prize winners get their hands on US$ 20,000 (R270 000,00). Of course, it is not about the money, but the prestige, exposure to the international art world and the chance to realise exciting new work. SO ENTER. If you are 35 or under that is.

Why am I interested? I've been appointed a social media ambassador of the awards. This means I'm trying to let young artists know about the award and encourage them enter. African contemporary art is so hot right now. It's time for another winner from the continent.