Absa, in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), proudly unveiled the winners of the prestigious Absa L’Atelier 2024 art competition at the Kromdraai Impact Hub in Gauteng on Saturday, 16 November 2024.
Now in its 38th year, the Absa L’Atelier remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for African artists, fostering creativity and supporting sustainable, inclusive societies.
“We are particularly proud of our 38-year partnership with Absa in the Absa L’Atelier — a true testament to the power of partnerships. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and agency for the visual arts, showcasing the courage, vision, and commitment needed to build sustainable and inclusive societies,” said Dr. Samuel B. A. Isaacs, President of SANAVA.
Celebrating Artistic Excellence
The Absa L’Atelier competition recognizes young visual artists across Africa, crowning regional ambassadors and presenting the celebrated Gerard Sekoto Award. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Gerard Sekoto Award, supported by the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, alongside the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
“In the cultural field, it is the longest-running partnership between the French Embassy and the private sector in South Africa,” noted His Excellency David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho. “The Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award supports artists as they push creative boundaries and grow their practice, acknowledging the skill, perseverance, and vision their journeys demand.”
The Gerard Sekoto Award is presented annually to a South African artist aged between 25 and 35 who consistently demonstrates excellence in their work. The 2024 recipient is Lusanda Ndita, celebrated for her integrity, creativity, and commitment to her craft.
Meet the 2024 Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors
The competition also announced three regional Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors:
- Ezra Appiah (Ghana)
- Kutlwano Monyai (South Africa)
- Moses Oyeleye (Nigeria)
These Ambassadors will receive a host of career-enhancing prizes, including international residencies, mentoring, masterclasses, and the opportunity to exhibit their work on the global stage.
Supporting Africa’s Creative Talent
“Through the Absa L’Atelier, we celebrate not only the incredible talent of these artists but also the personal stories of resilience and creativity that they bring to their work,” said Dr. Paul Bayliss, Art and Museum Curator at Absa.
“At Absa, we are passionate about empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time, by celebrating the unique and impactful journeys of every artist – regardless of their background. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who submitted an entry this year and congratulations to all the winners.”
This initiative reaffirms Absa’s commitment to fostering the arts and empowering young creatives to share uniquely African stories on a global platform.
For more information, visit the Absa L’Atelier website or join the conversation on social media using #AbsaLAtelier.