The competition, which aims to benefit artists by increasing their international exposure and raise funds for charity by selling the finalists' artworks, offers USD$32 000 in prize monies to the winners of its three awards, says the foundation.
This year, the Finalists Exhibition will be hosted by new Venue Partner La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek at their Ateljee Gallery. This venue will showcase artworks by 30 extraordinary artists from across the continent from 6 November 2026 to 26 February 2027, adds the foundation.
Kobie Lochner, CEO of La Motte Wine Estate, says, "There is power in collaboration, and this is why we are so excited about this new partnership between La Motte and The Sovereign Art Foundation. We believe that the opportunities created by The 2026 Sovereign African Art Prize will build on the Rupert family's heritage of supporting the arts. We are proud to host the Finalists Exhibition in the Franschhoek Valley, and the La Motte Ateljee is ready to present a wonderful showcase of contemporary African artists."
Over 50 art professionals have nominated artists to enter artworks into the competition's online submission platform. A panel of expert judges will then select 30 finalists to be announced in October 2026. According to the foundation, the 2026 judges are:
- Azu Nwagbogu, Independent Curator
- Janine Gaëlle Dieudji, Independent Exhibitions Maker and Producer
- Riason Naidoo, Curator, Writer, Researcher and Artist
- Richard Mudariki, Founder of artHARARE, and
- Same Mdluli, Artist, Art Historian, Curator and Writer.
At the Finalists Exhibition, one artist will be selected to receive the Grand Prize of USD$25 000. The FAMM Women's Prize of USD$5 000, sponsored by Female Artists of the Mougins Museum (FAMM), will be presented to the highest scoring female artist (except the Grand Prize winner). A Public Vote Prize of USD$2 000 will go to the finalist whose work attracts the most votes from the public online or in-person at the exhibition, says the foundation.
The finalists' artworks will be entered into a charity sale, with proceeds to be split equally between the artists and charitable programmes that provide expressive arts programmes for disadvantaged children, adds the foundation.
Howard Bilton, Founder and Chairman of SAF, says, "The Sovereign Art Foundation has been running art prizes in Asia, Europe and the Middle East since 2003. In this time, we have showcased some of the greatest artists working in those regions and have made some amazing discoveries, whilst raising millions of dollars to assist disadvantaged children by using the therapeutic benefits of art."
"Since our first initiative in Africa in 2012, we have sought to establish a significant art prize for Africa and its diaspora, where some of the most exciting and innovative art is currently being produced," adds Bilton.
"We enjoyed five fruitful years collaborating with and exhibiting the work of the 30 finalists at Norval Foundation. Our thanks to them and Louis Norval, in particular, for all his help and assistance. We are now excited to announce a new partnership with La Motte Wine Estate and to show this year's 30 finalists at their brand new gallery towards the end of the year," says Bilton.
As well as La Motte and FAMM, The Prize has attracted the support of a host of additional partners including Cultural Partner, The Africa Centre; Hotel Partner, Pearl Valley Hotel; Logistical Partner, Airwings; Picture Hanging Pros and Framed by Anton.
Information about the nomination and entry process, as well as the full nominator list, terms and conditions and full schedule of The Prize are available on the SAF website, concludes the foundation.
For more information, visit www.sovereignartfoundation.com. You can also follow The Sovereign Art Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or on YouTube.
*Image courtesy of Facebook