.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
40 years of Absa L'atelier Art
Established in 1986, Absa L'Atelier Art continues to shine a light on Africa's rich artistic creativity, nurture artistic excellence, elevating African voices and contribute to the growth of our continent’s creative economy. A partnership between Absa and the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), it is the longest running Pan-African art competition, providing a powerful platform that supports emerging artists with opportunities for their professional development through mentorships and masterclasses, increasing their visibility and advancing their careers through awards, once-in-a-lifetime residencies and in-country solo exhibitions that encourage the exploration of personal narratives and contemporary issues.
The 40 Doors Absa L’Atelier Art Legacy experience
Absa L'Atelier Art celebrates 40 years by hosting the 40 Doors Absa L'Atelier Art Legacy event on 12 September 2026 where African art from around the continent will be showcased. The 40 doors will feature indigenous art that speaks to African heritage and diverse traditions, to illustrate the importance of the Absa L'Atelier Art Competition to the African artist community.
When: 12 September 2026
Where: Nine Yards, 167 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Also look out for our pop-up installations
| When: 16-20 September 2026 Where: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre (Pretoria, South Africa) |
When: 23-27 September 2026 Where: Rosebank Mall (Johannesburg, South Africa) |
When: 30 September to 4 October 2026 Where: Mall of Africa (Johannesburg, South Africa) |
Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair
The Absa L'Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair returns for its third year on 10 October 2026 at Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa, Midrand. The fair is an annual outdoor event that celebrates art, creativity and culture with live music and entertainment for art lovers and the whole family alike.
What to expect at the fair
This year’s fair celebrates 40 years of Absa L’Atelier Art, featuring a 40-year legacy experience, artwork by the top 12 finalists of this year’s Absa L’Atelier Art competition and the live announcement of the four winning artists, live music, fashion and entertainment, a kids’ corner with hours of creative activities for children aged 12 and under, a variety of food and beverage stalls and much more.
When: 10 October 2026
Where: Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa, Midrand (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Early bird tickets are on offer at a discounted price until 12 September 2026.
Other Absa L’Atelier Art events
Art masterclasses
Absa L'Atelier Art will host a series of informative art masterclasses across African cities. Designed to focus on all aspects of art, the masterclasses are a strategic initiative that provide education and networking opportunities for those interested in the art industry.
| Masterclasses for artists Artists will benefit from discussions focused on the business of art, ways for artists to build a lasting brand, and how best to manage their careers. Lagos, Nigeria Cape Town, South Africa Accra, Ghana |
Masterclasses for art buyers, collectors and sellers Established and aspiring art buyers and art investors will gain insight into the evolution of art on the continent and how social media and everyday life influence it. Lagos, Nigeria Cape Town, South Africa Accra, Ghana |
Art exhibitions
 |
 |
 |
| Moses Oyeleye exhibition
When: 6-26 September Follow Absa Group on social media for information updates. |
Ezra Appiah exhibition
When: 7-27 November 2026 Follow Absa Group on social media for information updates |
Absa L’Atelier Art competition
Every year, Absa L’Atelier Art invites young, emerging visual artists from across the continent to enter their latest art. The winning artists receive the title of Absa L'Atelier Art Ambassador or the coveted Absa L'Atelier Art Gerald Sekoto Award which is for South African artists only. Added to the prizes is the option to host a solo exhibition within two years of winning. The winners are awarded up to R100 000 for material costs toward the exhibition, and most of the proceeds go to the artist. Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassadors receive mentorship, guidance from experts around the world through a series of intensive masterclasses, and a two-month residency to help shape their future art careers. The Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award winner receives an overseas residency sponsored by the French Institute of South Africa, a partner to Absa L’Atelier for over 20 years.
The competition is open from April to May every year. The winners are announced in October.