Give Art Life, L’Atelier Urges Artists

The L’Atelier art competition rewards young visual artists with unparalleled industry opportunities to develop their artistic skills.  As such, the competition is open to all professional and self-taught emerging artists aged 21 to 35. For thousands of artists across Africa whose creativity is their livelihood, art gives life. Now, L’Atelier is asking artists to ‘Give art life’, as it calls for entries into this year’s competition. The inspiring theme of the 2018 competition reflects the idea that the highly acclaimed L’Atelier gives African contemporary art, and the fresh young talent behind it, a platform to thrive. This is evident in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities presented through the competition. For the main winners, this includes a six-month art residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, France and a cash prize of R330 000. Similarly, the first Merit Award prize comprises a three-month art residency at the Bag Factory in South Africa; the second Merit Award, a two-month art residency at the Sylt Foundation, on the island of Sylt in Germany, and the third Merit Award, a one-month art residency with the Ampersand Foundation in New York, US. All top 10 finalists in the competition are also placed on a two-day art professionalism course to assist them in managing their careers – a vital aspect in helping young artists turn their talent into profitable businesses. L’Atelier organisers and the entire adjudication panel are looking forward to seeing the works of artists from Namibia and Nigeria among this year’s entries. “We are very excited to welcome Namibian and Nigerian artists on board and to see them join so many other artists from across the African continent in taking up the opportunities presented to them through this competition,” they said. L’Atelier has played a significant role in the careers of many influential visual artists from Africa, “It’s important not only that artists take advantage of these opportunities, but that they put their best works forward when doing it,” said Absa Art and Museum Curator Paul Bayliss. To enter the 2018 competition, artists simply need to visit the L’Atelier website at www.LAtelierCompetition.com, click on the “enter L’Atelier 2018” button, and complete the required information Entries close on 27 April 2018.