Nominations Open for the 2027 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards
The National Arts Festival, in partnership with Standard Bank, has opened nominations for the 2027 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards. As one of the most prestigious awards in South Africa, this accolade serves as a catalyst for trailblazing young South African artists.
For over four decades, the National Arts Festival and Standard Bank have celebrated creatives who have shaped our cultural landscape. Alumni include Helen Sebidi, William Kentridge, Mohau Modisakeng, Sibongile Khumalo, Mary Sibande, Yael Farber, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Neil Coppen and more. More recently Standard Bank Young Artists have included Zoe Modiga, Msaki, Koleka Putuma, Jason Jacobs, Mandla Mlangeni, Gabi Motuba and Jefferson Tshabalala.
Nominations are now being accepted for artists under the age of 35. Nominations can be submitted for any artistic discipline. Previously, the selection categories have included Music, Visual Arts, Jazz, Theatre, Dance, Performance Art, Poetry and Film. Not every category is awarded in each cycle – selection rests on the strength and depth of an artist’s body of work, rather than a fit for genre. Recipients of these awards will gain national and international recognition, receive a monetary prize, production budget, boosted marketing and visibility, and the support to present a new work at the 2027 National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Says National Arts Festival Artistic Director, Rucera Seethal,
“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards recognises artists who have a distinct artistic voice, who are steadily pushing their practice forward and who have already built an excellent and recognised portfolio at home and have notable international engagements. While they may not yet be household names, they have proven skill and commitment to their craft as well as a pioneering edge to their practice as SBYA recipients continue to shape South Africa’s arts landscape. This annual awarding gives the recognised artists a powerful propulsion in their current trajectory, along with the prestigious moment of presenting new work at the National Arts Festival 2027 edition.”
Says Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship, Bonga Sebesho,
“Standard Bank remains proud to partner with the National Arts Festival in celebrating South Africa’s next generation of creative talent. This year’s nomination process advances our commitment to nurturing artists who shape, challenge and define our cultural narrative.”
Nominations must be submitted online via the National Arts Festival’s website by 23:59 (SAST) on 31August 2026.
Artists who are nominated must be under 35 years old in 2027 and should have demonstrated exceptional ability and originality in their field. The selection of award winners rests with the Artistic Committee and the Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival. The 2027 winners will be informed later in 2026.
About National Arts Festival
The National Arts Festival is South Africa’s largest multi-disciplinary arts event, operating continuously since 1974. Held annually in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), the Festival presents new and established work across theatre, music, dance, comedy, literature, visual art, and experimental forms. The Festival serves as a key platform for South African cultural production, artist development, and international cultural exchange.
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