This year’s theme is RESONANCE:

What does it mean for something to resonate? What images, ideas, emotions, or experiences linger, and reverberate through your world?

Resonance is about impact, the way a moment continues to echo long after it first occurs. It can be subtle or powerful, personal or collective, quiet or explosive. Resonance lives in rhythms, tensions, and connections, between people, places, histories, materials, and ideas.

This theme invites you to explore what moves you, what stays with you, and what you want your artwork to transmit into the world. Your response may be abstract or figurative, emotional or conceptual, minimal or bold, as long as it carries energy, intention, and depth.

We invite you to enter the Stellenbosch Academy Visual Arts Competition 2026 and show South Africa what you've got.

Now is your time to share your work and let it resonate. 

PRIZES: 

There is a Full Tuition Sponsorship for the Higher Certificate in Drawing NQF5 programme at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography up for grabs.

Other incredible prizes will be announced. 

 A top selection of artists will be invited to participate in an exhibition at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography in the Western Cape and attend an exhibition opening and prize ceremony on the 3rd of October 2026. The final exhibition date and times will be communicated via the website. The top selection of works will also be published in the 2026 Stellenbosch Academy Visual Arts Competition Catalogue.

6 - 31 July 2026

Entries open from

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Our judges will be evaluating your work on two main criteria: 

• Technical Ability and Skill: Successful use of the elements of art, design principles to create successful compositions 

• Conceptual Strength: An artist’s statement of 250 words describing the meaning, message and intended impact of your work.

FAQ’S

  • The competition is open to all Grade 10 to 12 students who currently hold South African residency.

  • Entries open online 6 July at 9h00 and close 31 July 2026 at 17h00. Entries must be completed online, the form will become available on this web page on 6 July 2026.

  • The work must be two-dimensional, such as a drawing or painting. Regrettably, no sculptures, photographs or AI and digital artworks will be allowed. 

    Two-dimensional artworks in any medium are welcome. 

    A submitted artwork must have been created by the entrant themselves and must be their own original work. 

  • You can submit as many artworks as you like - multiple entries are allowed, with one artwork per entry.

  • R120  entry fee per artwork. 

  • Work dimensions: any size between A3 and 100 x 150cm.  Preferred size is A2 (42 x 59.4cm) or larger.

  •  EXISTING WORKS ARE WELCOME:

    We have intentionally chosen an open theme to give you freedom in your artistic response. We want to invite your own perspective rather than limit you to a fixed topic. To make entering easier, you may submit any strong artworks created within the past two years — though new works are equally welcome.

  • • The competition is open to all Grade 10 to 12 students who currently hold South African residency.

    • Entries should be submitted online via the SAVAC link online from 09:00 on 6 July 9h00 to 17:00 on 31 July 2026.

    • Work dimensions: any size between A3 and 100 x 150cm.  Preferred size is A2 (42 x 59.4cm) or larger.

    • Multiple entries are allowed. One artwork per entry. R120  entry fee per artwork. 

    • Upload a copy of your ID (or passport/driver’s license) and proof of payment with your digital entry form. 

    • The work must be two-dimensional, such as a drawing or painting. Regrettably, no sculptures, photographs or AI and digital artworks will be allowed. 

    • Two-dimensional artworks in any medium are welcome. 

    • If selected for the final exhibition, works must be exhibition-ready and wall-mountable.

    • Works may not be framed or covered in glass. 

    • While not encouraged, clean black or white mounting is allowed. Please make sure there are no name tags on the front of the mounting or artworks as exhibition name tags will be provided by us for all chosen artworks. 

    • A submitted artwork must have been created by the entrant themselves and must be their own original work. 

    • In the first round, judges will review the digital entries and select the top works. Chosen artists will be notified via phone, email, or WhatsApp. 

    • If your work has been selected during the first round, you will need to arrange the delivery of your artwork at your own cost to arrive at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography. You can hand-deliver your work to the Stellenbosch Academy in person or send your artwork with a courier of your choice. 

    • After the exhibition closes you will be responsible for collecting your artworks at your own cost from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.

    • More information and updates will be made available on the competition website. 

We’re looking for bold, original voices and fearless creativity. Whether your work moves, surprises, or challenges us, make it unforgettable. We’re excited to see your vision, your skill, and the story only you can tell. Any queries can be directed to SAVAC@stellenboschacademy.co.za 

2025 WINNERS