Feeling inspired during lockdown? Arts Bank of South Africa is taking submissions

South African artists are invited to apply for their contemporary artwork to be considered for acquisition by the Art Bank of South Africa.

The institution annually considers acquiring special pieces of art for its own growing collection. 

Art Bank SA is tasked with purchasing artworks from South African artists, particularly that of emerging artists in order to lease and sell the artworks to South African Government departments, private companies and private individuals.

It is a national programme of the Department of Arts and Culture as part of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy implementation and is hosted by the National Museum Bloemfontein, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture. The vision of the organisation is to promote, foster and stimulate a vibrant market for the collection of south african contemporary visual art. 

Submissions can be sent via email or post.

CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Artists are required to meet the following criteria:

– A detailed submission form is required with each submission. Submission forms can be found on the Art Bank of South Africa's social media platforms and the website or requested by emailing nathi@artbanksa.org. 

– Artists may submit a maximum of five original artworks for consideration. 

– Artwork of any medium can be submitted. 

– Artwork should have been created by the artist after July 2019. 

– Artwork must be of a superior quality and representative of south african contemporary art. 

– The artist/artist representative will be required to register on the Central Database System (CSD) and be SARS tax compliant. 

The decision of the acquisition committee will be final and only successful applicants will be contacted about collection and couriering of artwork to the exhibition venue in due course. 

HERE ARE SOME OTHER HELPFUL NOTES FOR SUBMISSION:

– Three dimensional artwork submissions must be accompanied by images which sufficiently portray the artwork in all its dimensions. 

– Clearly indicate the sale price of the artwork including vat (where applicable) and any other costs. 

– Permission for the use of images of the artwork in promotional and educational materials (for example: websites and catalogues etc) will be required. 

Non-adherence to the above criteria will result in the application becoming disqualified. Only original, ready for purchase, artwork will be considered.

Closing date: The deadline for submissions is 12:00 on Friday, 3 July 2020.

For more information, head to the Art Bank SA website.

Compiled by Lindokuhle Nkosi.