To celebrate local talent and encourage the development of the arts in Namibia, Bank Windhoek and the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) launched the sixth edition of the Bank Windhoek Triennial in Windhoek on Tuesday. 

This year’s  Triennial will be under the theme: ‘Namibian Identity: The Linework of a Country’s Contours and Wealth.’ 

The competition winner will receive N$50 000 as well as a solo exhibition at the NAGN. The first runner up will walk away with N$35 000 while the third prize will be N$25 000. 

The NAGN will help the top three winners to further develop their careers. The competition also features a category for emerging youth artists under the age of 35 who will join the existing NAGN emerging artists’ programme. 

Speaking at the launch, Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, Bronwyn Moody, said the Triennial is a celebration bringing together minds, hands, and hearts from across Namibia. 

“For Bank Windhoek, the Triennial is a mirror reflecting our society’s collective journey with endless possibilities. This platform is also where bold ideas take shape, tradition meets innovation, and the universal language of creativity speaks louder than ever,” she said. 

Moody added that as a proud Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the National Art Gallery of Namibia’s largest exhibition and art competition since 2008, providing a pivotal stage to foster creativity and shape the future of Namibian art.

 NAGN director Michelle Van Wyk said the competition encourages bold ideas and perspectives and the courage to create without boundaries. 

“It is important for Namibians to stand together to visually translate our identity on international platforms. We must use these opportunities to tell the world who we are and who we are growing into.”

NAGN chief curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda emphasised the consistent participation of artists across the country’s 14 regions. She said the competition has made great strides in representing Namibian artists from various backgrounds. “This year, we have partnered with art.”