emerge (e·merge) verb

1. to become more well known or more important, or to come into view;
2. to come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity;
3. to become, to manifest

Our belief in the talent of South Africa's emerging artists finds expression in the Sasol New Signatures art competition, presented in collaboration with the Association of Arts Pretoria.

• It provides a strong platform to evaluate, appreciate and advance South Africa's emerging talent;
• It provides entry into the dynamic world of visual arts;
• It inspires emerging artists to show their work in public; and
• It offers artists a valuable learning experience with its outreach information sessions.

New, innovative and emerging young artists are invited to enter the 2012 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition. The competition, now in its 23rd year and sponsored by Sasol, is held annually and is open to all South African artists who are 18 years and older who have not held a solo exhibition, except for academic purposes before. (A solo exhibition entails a body of work of at least 20 works exhibited in a commercial gallery.)

National information sessions are held to provide insight into the judging process and advice on conceptualisation, display and presentation of work. The information sessions are presented by chairperson, Peter Binsbergen and covers the competition's history and logistics.

Artists are invited to submit a maximum of two artworks at one of the nine collection points around the country.

"This competition serves to benchmark young talent, not only in South Africa but worldwide. From what we have seen in the past young talent in South Africa holds its own internationally and I look forward to seeing how young artists create new meanings and challenge boundaries in 2012. There may ultimately be one winner, but being selected as a finalist in this competition carries with it the weighted status of being recognized as a young and upcoming South African artist," says Peter Binsbergen, chairperson of the 2012 Sasol New Signatures art competition.

Regional judges will select approximately 100 works which will be exhibited at the Sasol New Signatures exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum from 30 August 2012 to 30 September 2012.

More details can be obtained from Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria at 012 346 3100.

Tues, 3 Jul 2012 & Wed, 4 Jul 2012. No entries will be received before or after these dates. View the collection points

National information sessions are held to provide insight into the judging process and advice on conceptualisation... Book now!