A career accelerator for emerging South African visual artists
VAMA is more than a competition, it is a career accelerator. The programme brings together exhibition opportunities, professional development workshops, mentorship and residencies to give emerging artists the recognition, skills and practical experience they need to take their practice to the next level.
DALRO, together with Bag Factory Artists’ Studios (Bag Factory), LL Editions and William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG), presents the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA).
THE OPPORTUNITY
TOP TEN FINALISTS
The Top Ten finalists will participate in a group exhibition at DALRO in Johannesburg and a programme of professional development workshops facilitated by industry experts. Workshops cover professional exhibition development, business financial management. Topics include writing, marketing, artistic identity and conceptual clarity, sustainable creative practice, contracts, dispute resolution, copyright, pricing and mental health.
THE WINNER
A 12-month residency: six months at Bag Factory in Johannesburg, followed by six months at LL Editions in Johannesburg working with esteemed printmaker Joe Leshoka. The programme includes accommodation, materials and living stipends, mentorship, progress meetings and peer critique sessions. Selected work developed during the Bag Factory residency will be adapted into limited-edition lithographs. The programme culminates in a solo exhibition at Bag Factory.
THE RUNNER UP
An eight-week residency at WHAG in Kimberley, providing dedicated time, space and professional support to develop a body of work. The Runner-Up receives accommodation, materials and living stipends, mentorship, progress meetings and peer critique. The programme culminates in a solo exhibition at WHAG.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The programme provides artists with practical knowledge, resources and professional experience required to navigate and sustain a career in the visual arts.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Applicants must be 18–35
- Applicants must be South African citizens based in South Africa
- Applicants must not be represented by a gallery or artist manager
- Applicants must have an arts and/or related qualification, community-based learning or other training
- Applicants must not have previously received a prize from DALRO, Bag Factory, LL Editions or WHAG
- Applicants must not have previously held a solo exhibition
- Applicants must work in an eligible medium
APPLICATION RULES
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Artists must submit one entry only; additional entries will automatically be disqualified.
ELIGIBLE MEDIUMS
Painting • Drawing • Photography • Textiles • Tapestries • Small scale sculpture • Video / mixed-media installations
3D works and sculptures must be small to medium scale, must not use heavy industrial materials and must not require high-powered tools for installation. Video and mixed-media installation works must include an MP4 or Vimeo link in the portfolio.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
ONE PDF Containing:
- Biography -maximum 500 words
- Comprehensive CV
- Artist statement – maximum 500 words
- Portfolio 5–10 high-resolution images of artworks created within the last 2–3 years, with relevant artwork information
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Motivation letter maximum 500 words
- Completed entry form
- Project proposal responding to the objectives of the award, including a proposal for the 12-month Winner residency at Bag Factory and LL Editions and a proposal for the eight-week Runner-Up residency at WHAG
Please make sure to send all the required documents. Incomplete applications and late submissions will result in immediate disqualification.
APPLY NOW
Applications close at 23h59 (SAST) on Friday, 4 September 2026.
There is no entry fee.
Send application to:
THE SELECTION PROCESS
STAGE ONE
A panel of adjudicators will review submissions and select the Top Ten finalists based on merit, originality and the artist’s ability to fulfil the objectives of the award. The Top Ten will participate in a group exhibition at DALRO in Johannesburg and development workshops
STAGE TWO - WINNER & RUNNER UP
The Winner and Runner-Up will be selected by the adjudicators from among the Top Ten finalists and announced at the opening of the Top Ten exhibition. The adjudicators’ decisions are final. DALRO reserves the right to withhold the award if entries are not deemed to be of a sufficiently meritorious standard.
COMMITMENTS FROM APPLICANTS
- Be willing and available to attend physical and/or online workshops
- Sign a mandate authorising DALRO to represent and license their artworks
- Acknowledge that prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash
- Confirm submitted artworks are original and were not created using AI
- Arrange for framed works from the submitted portfolio to be delivered to DALRO in Johannesburg for the Top Ten Exhibition
- Accept personal liability for any intellectual property infringement and indemnify DALRO, Bag Factory, LL Editions and WHAG against related claims
YOUR PRACTICE. YOUR VOICE. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
ADJUDICATORS
- Chepape Makgato
- Malikah Meyer
- Maria Fidel Regueros
- Joe Leshoka
- Odysseus Shirindza
- Lazarus Serobe
- Tshepo Bopape
- Pat Mautloa
OUR PARTNERS
