To widen and build knowledge of the work of artists from each region, increasing their public visibility, exposure in the art market and a attracting a wider international following.
To share a balanced representation of the most significant artists from each region and showcase the diverse character and qualities of their works through rich educational programmes.
To exhibit the works in a public art space or museum so visitors may directly engage with some of the best art from the region and to make this exhibition available to as broad an audience as possible.
To sell the finalists artworks for charity, raising a significant amount for the artists and for our expressive arts programmes that support vulnerable children.
There are three cash prizes available to shortlisted artists. All shortlisted artists enjoy increased international exposure, top tier media coverage, and the opportunity to exhibit their work publicly in South Africa.
Awarded to the artist with the highest score from the judges.
Awarded to the highest rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner)
Awarded to the artist with the most votes from the public (excluding the Grand Prize Winner).
The Prize invites contemporary artists, nominated by a board of art professionals, to each enter up to three artworks online. A judging panel comprised of world-class art experts then shortlists the 30 best artworks from a range of digital images. Click here for T&Cs.
The shortlisted artworks are exhibited at The Ateljee Gallery at La Motte Winery in Franschhoek, South Africa. Members of the public can enjoy the artworks and engage in the public vote.
At the exhibition, the artworks are judged for a second time and voted on by the public. The judges scores are aggregated, and a Grand Prize winner is named. The highest rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize winner) will receive the FAMM Women’s Prize.
To increase exposure for the artists, the general public are invited to cast a vote online or in person for their favourite shortlisted artwork. The most popular artwork is awarded the Public Vote Prize.
The Artworks will be sold for charity, with proceeds split equally between each artist and SAF’s charitable initiatives which provide expressive arts programmes for underprivileged children, supporting their wellbeing and educational needs and helping them develop important life skills.
There are numerous benefits to participating artists, including:
Entry to the Prize is by nomination only. If you wish to enter, we recommend you connect with one of our regional nominators and ask them to consider nominating you.
In order to be eligible for the Prize, we require that artworks adhere to the following:
We are always looking to expand our network of nominators. Nominators should have a certain expertise in art from Africa. To apply to be a nominator, please get in touch.
It is free for artists to enter the Prize online. Once shortlisted, artists are responsible for any production costs associated with their shortlisted artwork. Artists are also responsible for their own shipping costs to Cape Town. For details, please read section 7 of our T&Cs.
Proceeds from artwork sales are split equally between the artist and SAF who use the funds to support arts education programmes on the continent.
