Watercolor painting of two women with long dark hair sitting on a beige background. One woman is seated with her knees bent and arms resting on her knees, while the other woman is sitting with her body turned to the side, holding her knees. Both women are depicted in a realistic style with soft, earthy tones.

Laju Sholola (Nigeria),

Two Fold I, 2023. Black tea, ink, charcoal, pastel and acrylic on canvas.

Apply now for a chance to join a network of bold, contemporary African voices

  • Applicants must:

    • Be a resident and citizen of Ghana or Nigeria

    • Be 25 years or older

    • Have 3 to 7 years of active visual art practice

    • Work in a visual medium, which may include painting, sculpture, photography, or installation

    We welcome artists who are self-taught, academically trained, or community-based. The prize is open to both emerging and mid-career voices ready for growth, experimentation, and exposure.

  • Prizes:

    • Grand Prize: $5,000 + 3-month residency in Benin Edo State + mentorship

    • Runner-Up: $2,500 + mentorship

    • Women’s Prize: $2,500 + mentorship

    Finalists:

    • Inclusion in a group exhibition in Lagos or Accra

    • Artist talks, media coverage, and gallery support

    • Mentorship and visibility over a 12-month period

    All longlisted artists (12–15 total) will also participate in a virtual development bootcamp designed to strengthen their practice, networks, and public presence.

  • The application is accessed by clicking the button below. It is divided into four sections:

    • Section 1: Basic Info
      Tell us who you are — your name, age (must be 25+), nationality, contact details, and optional links to your portfolio or social media.

    • Section 2: Your Practice
      Share a short bio, describe your medium and artistic focus, and tell us what drives your work. You’ll also upload your CV (max 2 pages) and 5–10 images of your recent work.

    • Section 3: Prize Motivation
      In two short paragraphs, tell us why you’re applying and how this opportunity will support your artistic journey.

    • Section 4: Exhibition & Nomination
      Confirm your availability for the March 2026 group show. Optionally, describe a work you’d propose to exhibit and include a nominator (curator, gallerist, or collector) if you have one.

  • Each application is reviewed by a jury of artists, curators, and collectors using three criteria: conceptual strength, technical execution, and growth potential.

    Judges look for artists whose work is thoughtful and can meaningfully benefit from the prize’s developmental program. The process is designed to identify not just current talent, but also promise.

  • Applications Open: August 1, 2025

    Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2025

    Longlist Announced: September 30, 2025

    Virtual Artist Development Program: January 2026

    Finalists Announced: February 2026

    Exhibition & Award Ceremony: March 28, 2026 (Easter Weekend)

    Residency: April - June 2026

    • Can I apply if I’ve already had a solo show?
      Yes, the prize welcomes both emerging and mid-career artists.

    • Can I apply again next year if I’m not selected?
      Absolutely. We encourage re-application.

    • Is there an application fee?
      No. There is no fee to apply.