Having launched in collaboration with Norval Foundation only last year, the inaugural Norval Sovereign African Art Prize saw a great number of successes: from a wonderfully diverse and talented shortlist, to a well attended exhibition held in Norval Foundation’s beautiful grounds. However, perhaps most notable was the white glove sale for the Benefit Auction held with Sotheby’s. 

The proceeds from each artwork sold were split 50:50 between the artists and Norval Foundation, who will use it to fund their Educational Programme. The Programme works hard to ensure that every child, whether home-schooled or attending private or public school, visits the Norval Foundation at least once in their primary school or high school careers.

​The Sovereign Art Foundation and the Norval Foundation were also extremely grateful for the generous support from EON Reality who were lead sponsor of the Prize.

Key Auction Statistics​

• All the artworks were sold.

• More than 1,200 bids were placed across the sale.

• Sales totaled over US$275,000, half of which will go to Norval Foundation. 

• Over 200 participants registered to bid in the sale. An average of 6 bidders competed for each lot.

• Over 60% of the lots sold for prices in excess of their high estimates.

• The sale saw bidding from four continents – predominantly in Europe, Asia and Africa.

• The sale was viewed over 20,000 times on Sotheby’s website.

The Norval Foundation is dedicated to providing access to the arts among underprivileged school children.

Herein the outreach programme aims to:

• Establish relationships with community leaders in surrounding communities.​

• Arrange outings for schools in surrounding communities including transport, snacks, tours and educational art activities.​

• Accommodate 400-600 learners per month in our outreach programme.​

• Arrange teacher training workshops for teachers in surrounding communities to improve their art education practice.​

• Host afternoon holiday workshops with NGOs working with children in surrounding communities.​

• Establish the Learning Centre as a safe space for learners in surrounding communities to do their homework or create art.

Thank you to everyone to all their support of the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize. 

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