WINDHOEK
Bank Windhoek and the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) have launched the 2016 Bank Windhoek 30×30 Art Competition.
The 30×30 Art Competition was launched in 2015 as a first of its kind project. The competition aims to discover new and fresh art talent in Namibia, as well as to encourage artistic excellence, creativity and individual expression. Artists will be required to translate their creative ideas into any medium on a 30×30 cm stretched canvas or on 30×30 cm sketch paper. The competition will consist of two categories, namely a School Category for secondary school learners (Grade 8 to 12 and age 14 to 18 at the time of submission) and an Amateur Category for artists who do not have any tertiary art qualification; or have not had a solo exhibition; or have not participated in a curated exhibition.
In the first phase of the competition participants are required to complete an application form and provide a short description of the idea that they intend to develop on the canvas or paper. The idea can be supported by visuals such as preliminary sketches, collage, photomontage etc, intended materials and/or written text. The judges will then select the best 300 ideas. In the second and final phase of the competition, the 300 finalists will have to successfully translate their ideas into any type of medium, on either a 30×30 cm stretched canvas or on 30×30 cm sketch paper. The judges will select the top 10 best artworks from the two categories using the judging criteria described in the entry form. These artworks will be bought for N$1000 each.
The rest of the participants will receive a certificate of recognition and their artworks will be displayed at an exhibition where they will be on sale to the public for N$500.
“Bank Windhoek is recognised in Namibia as one of the biggest supporters of the Namibian arts industry. We therefore remain committed to the development of arts, as artists still struggle to gain the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. We encourage all aspiring artists to take part in the competition, as it is about discovering new and fresh talent,” said Riaan van Rooyen, Head: Corporate Communication and Social Investment at Bank Windhoek.
The Director of the National Art Gallery, Hercules Viljoen, said: “The NAGN is extremely appreciative of the continued efforts of Bank Windhoek to stimulate the Namibian visual arts environment with incentives such as the Bank Windhoek 30×30 Competition. The competition was initiated to challenge amateur artists who may soon become the leaders in Namibian creativity. The 30×30 Competition is also a challenge to other institutions who may wish to become actively involved in growing the popularity of Namibian art and to expand the boundaries of accepted norms in art.”
Entry forms are available from any Bank Windhoek Branch or agency countrywide, as well as the NAGN in Windhoek, and can be submitted at these points as well. The deadlines for the competition are as follows:
- The deadline for submission of entry forms and ideas: 31 May 2016
- 300 finalists will be announced at the end of June 2016
- Deadline for submission of final artworks: 16 September 2016
- Prize-giving ceremony and official opening of exhibition: 14 October at 18:00
- Closing date of exhibition: 29 October 2016
For more information, contact Bronwyn Moody, at Tel: (061) 299 1267 or Email: moodyb@bankwindhoek.com.na. Enquiries can also be directed to Alexandra Lasky at the NAGN at Tel: (061) 231160 or Email: pro@nagn.org.na.