2024 Nominators

Ayako Bertolli | Kenya

Frank Whalley | Kenya

Brett Scott | South Africa

Cathy Abraham | South Africa

Fiona Rankin-Smith | South Africa

Heidi Erdmann Rasch | South Africa

Introduction

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize aims to benefit artists living in Africa or of the African diaspora by increasing their international exposure, whilst raising funds for arts education programmes on the continent

"[The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize] is the only prize of its kind on the Continent wholly focused and dedicated to encouraging and supporting artists at an important juncture at their career. By supporting mid-career artists, the Prize allows for the shortlisted and winning artists to gain exposure in a manner that grants their work to be introduced to a wider public, and for the winning artist to have a solo show in an established museum space. In addition, it is a prize tailored to the needs of the art ecosystem on the Continent with the intention of supporting and helping it grow."

Heba El Kayal

Chief Curatorial Consultant
Norval Foundation

"The Sovereign Art Foundation has been running art prizes in Asia, Europe and the Middle East since 2003. In this time, we have showcased some of the greatest artists working in those regions and have made some amazing discoveries, whilst raising over US$9M to assist disadvantaged children using the therapeutic benefits of art. Since our first initiative in Africa in 2012, we have sought to establish a significant art prize for Africa and its diaspora, where some of the most exciting and innovative art is currently being produced. In joining our expertise and experience together with that of the prestigious Norval Foundation, we are realising a long-held ambition to give these artists the recognition and platform they deserve, whilst raising substantial funds for arts education in Africa."

Founder

Sovereign Art Foundation

Howard Bilton

Co-Founders