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Celebrating 40 years of Absa L’Atelier
Absa L’Atelier marks 40 years of celebrating and shaping the future of African art. As one of the continent’s most respected visual arts competitions, it continues to recognise bold, emerging talent while opening doors to meaningful growth, mentorship and global exposure. In 2026, this legacy continues – championing the next generation of African artists.
About Absa L’Atelier
In partnership with SANAVA, the Absa L'Atelier is an annual art competition that has been helping young visual artists from across 12 countries in Africa to take their art to a wider audience, grow their art careers, and ultimately gain the recognition they deserve.
Together with the French Institute of South Africa and the French Embassy in South Africa, we also honour 22 years of L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, specifically for South African artists.
For four decades, Absa L’Atelier has stood as one of Africa’s leading art competitions, dedicated to discovering and developing emerging visual artists across the continent.
What began as a platform for creative expression has evolved into a powerful launchpad for artistic careers, offering visibility, recognition and opportunities that extend far beyond the competition itself.
With a strong Pan-African footprint, Absa L’Atelier continues to nurture new voices, ensuring African creativity is not only seen but also celebrated on a global stage.
https://latelier.absa.africa/home
Absa L’Atelier 2026
In its 40th year, Absa L’Atelier 2026 honours a legacy of artistic excellence while looking firmly to the future. This milestone edition reflects both the evolution of the competition and Absa’s continued commitment to empowering African artists.
As the creative landscape continues to shift and expand, L’Atelier remains a space where bold ideas, diverse perspectives and emerging talent can thrive, shaping the future of African art.
How to enter Absa L’Atelier
Entering the Absa L’Atelier competition is a simple process:
Visit the official competition page
Review the eligibility criteria
Prepare and submit your artwork
Complete the online application process
Find out more and enter the competition here:
Why enter Absa L’Atelier?
Absa L’Atelier offers more than recognition – it provides a meaningful platform for growth. Artists gain exposure across Africa, access to development opportunities and the chance to build lasting careers within the creative industry.
For emerging artists, it is an opportunity to be seen, supported and celebrated as part of a broader artistic community that continues to shape the continent’s cultural future.
40 years of artistic impact
Over the past 40 years, Absa L’Atelier has played a vital role in the African art ecosystem, supporting generations of artists and contributing to the continent’s creative identity.
From early recognition to international exposure, the competition has helped transform emerging talent into established voices, ensuring that African art continues to evolve, inspire and resonate globally.
Competition terms & conditions
The competition is open to emerging visual artists across Africa
All entries must meet the eligibility and submission criteria
Submissions are subject to review by an official judging panel
Entry deadlines and requirements are outlined on the official website
View the full terms & conditions here: https://latelier.absa.africa/the-competition
Enter now