CATEGORIES

You may enter the competition in one of the following categories:

• Fine Art

This category invites a wide range of two-dimensional artistic practices, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. We encourage both traditional and experimental approaches that demonstrate strong visual thinking, material exploration, and conceptual depth.

• Photography

This category invites you to explore photography as a conceptual and expressive medium. Rather than simply capturing a moment, we encourage you to create images that communicate ideas, emotions, or experiences that resonate. 

Your work may be staged or observed, minimal or complex, abstract or representational. However, it should demonstrate clear intention, thought, and visual awareness.

Smartphones, digital cameras, and other accessible tools are all welcome.

Entries open from

6 - 31 July 2026

PRIZES: 

Fine Arts:

  • 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.

Photography: 

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

Other incredible prizes will be announced.

EXHIBITION:

A top selection of artists and photographers 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.

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. 

FAQ’S

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

  • Entries open online 6 July 2026 at 9h00 and close 31 July 2026 at 17h00.

    Entries must be completed online. The entry form will become available on this web page on 6 July 2026.

  • You may submit multiple entries. Each artwork must be entered separately, with one artwork per entry.

  • R120  entry fee per artwork. 

  •  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 strong artworks created within the past two years, though new works are equally welcome.

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 and skilful command of chosen medium to create successful compositions.

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

Fine Art Category

  • Two-dimensional artworks in any physical medium are welcome, including drawing, painting, and mixed media.

    • No sculptures or three-dimensional works

    • No photography submissions in this category

    • No AI-generated or digitally created artworks

  • Any size between A3 and 100 × 150 cm

    Preferred size is A2 (42 × 59.4 cm) or larger

  • • Must be exhibition-ready and wall-mountable

    • May not be framed or covered in glass

    • Clean black or white mounting is allowed (no name labels on the front)

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

    • Entries must be submitted online between 6 July (09:00) and 31 July 2026 (17:00)

    • Multiple entries are allowed (R120 per artwork)

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

    • All submitted work must be original and created by the entrant

    • AI-generated, plagiarised, or appropriated work is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification

    Fine Art Category:

    • Must be two-dimensional physical work (A3–100 × 150 cm)

    • Must be exhibition-ready if selected

Photography Category

  • • Images must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG files (.jpg)

    • Images must maintain a standard photographic aspect ratio (3:2 or 4:3)

    • Files must be exported at maximum quality (no visible compression or pixelation)

    • No AI-generated images are permitted

    • Only original work created by the entrant may be submitted 

  • This category is for conceptual and fine art photography. Your image should demonstrate intention, visual awareness, and conceptual thinking, not simply documentation.

  • All forms of photography are permitted, including both digital and analogue processes. This includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, digital cameras, film cameras, disposable cameras, medium and large format cameras, and alternative photographic processes. The use of AI-generated images is strictly prohibited.

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

    • Entries must be submitted online between 6 July (09:00) and 31 July 2026 (17:00)

    • Multiple entries are allowed (R120 per artwork)

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

    • All submitted work must be original and created by the entrant

    • AI-generated, plagiarised, or appropriated work is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification

    Fine Art Category:

    • Must be two-dimensional physical work (A3–100 × 150 cm)

    • Must be exhibition-ready if selected

  • • Basic editing (cropping, exposure, colour correction) is allowed

    • Heavy digital manipulation, compositing, or AI-generated imagery is not permitted

  • • Digital image (high-resolution JPEG) submitted online. The image must be exported and submitted at the highest possible quality.

    • No physical print required for initial submission

  • • Selected photographic works will be printed by the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography for exhibition

    • This ensures consistency and professional presentation

    • Printing costs will be for the entrant’s account and will be communicated to selected finalists

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

    • Entries must be submitted online between 6 July (09:00) and 31 July 2026 (17:00)

    • Multiple entries are allowed (R120 per artwork)

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

    • All submitted work must be original and created by the entrant

    • AI-generated, plagiarised, or appropriated work is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification

    Photography Category:

    • Must be submitted digitally

    • Must follow editing and authenticity guidelines

    • In the first round, judges will review digital submissions and select the top works

    • Selected artists will be contacted via phone, email, or WhatsApp

    • If selected, delivery of physical artworks (Fine Art category) to the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography is the entrant’s responsibility

    • After the exhibition, all artworks must be collected at the entrant’s own cost

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

Fine Art / Conceptual

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
2025 WINNERS