By The Norval Foundation, in collaboration with The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), will officially unveil the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2025 sponsored by Schroders Finalists’ Exhibition. This marks the fourth year of the prestigious award, which celebrates contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora. The exhibition will be open to the public at the Norval Foundation from 4 February to 20 April 2025.
The Finalists’ Exhibition showcases the work of 28 artists from 18 African countries, offering a dynamic and diverse representation of contemporary African art. The featured artworks span various mediums – including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media – and reflect the unique cultural narratives, social commentary, and innovative practices that define the continent’s art scene today.
The Prize invites contemporary artists, nominated by a board of independent art professionals, to enter online. The judging panel then shortlists the best artworks from a range of digital images.
Simon Njami, a Paris-based independent curator, lecturer, art critic, and novelist, is also one of the five judges for the NSAAP 2025 sponsored by Schroders, says; “I have always felt that my duty was to support the African creativity and art making in Africa. Through my personal work, of course, but also by supporting every initiatives that would contribute to help Africa become it owe to be. This prize is one those opportunities to make the continent shine. I feel honoured and happy to be part of this great adventure.”
The judges will visit the exhibition in person and select their Grand Prize winner, the name of who will be announced on 18 February 2025. This artist will receive a cash prize of US$35,000 and a solo exhibition at the Foundation in 2026; in addition will be the announcement of the first-ever FAMM Women’s Prize winner, who receives a $5,000 cash prize. The invite only event will celebrate the outstanding talent of contemporary African artists, and coincide with not only Investec Cape Town Art Fair week but the exhibition opening of Billie Zangewa: Breeding Ground at Norval Foundation.
Kondi Nkosi, Country Head at Schroders, commented: “The opening of the 2025 finalists’ exhibition marks the start of an exciting period during which some of Africa’s finest artwork will be cast into the international spotlight. We’d like to congratulate the 28 finalists on being selected and wish them everything of the best as their works are appraised by this year’s judging panel.”
The NSAAP is also a key fundraising initiative for the Norval Foundation Learning Centre, which supports art education and community engagement. To further this mission, an online benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co will run from 4 February to 13 March 2025 featuring all shortlisted artworks. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the artists and the Learning Centre, furthering both individual careers and educational outreach.
The Norval Foundation Museum Director, Caroline Greyling, said: “Norval Foundation is pleased to be welcoming a wide range of fantastic finalists to the 4th edition of the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize. Over the years, the prize has seen the participation of incredible artists from around the continent, and the 2025 year is no different, which includes 28 artists from 18 African countries. This competition exists to showcase the incredible talent of African artists, and we believe this year is a strong continuation of this goal.”
Previous winners of The NSAAP include Famakan Magassa (b.1997, Mali), Bonolo Kavula (b.1992, South Africa), and Alioune Daigne (b. 1985, Senegal).
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Sponsored by Schroders Finalists’ Exhibition is curated by Carmen Joubert.