Bag Factory Artists’ Studios in association with Strauss & Co. Education Fine Art Auctioneers, announce the prestigious
2024 CASSIRER WELZ AWARD
Call for Entries are NOW OPEN
“Since its inception, this award has helped the winners launch their careers and really start making a name for themselves. This award is an important part of Strauss & Co.’s ongoing and substantial commitment to young talent in southern Africa – and is a powerful example of the company’s investment in the art of the future.” - Susie Goodman, Executive Director, Strauss & Co. Fine Art Auctioneers
Now in its fourteenth year, the Cassirer Welz Award’s focus has always been on recognising artistic excellence, encouraging creative practice, and providing the supportive spaces and presentation platforms needed by young -career artists.
Deadline for Entries: Sunday, 05 May 2024, 23H59pm (SAST)
This project is made possible with the support of Strauss & Co. Education Fine Art Auctioneers additional funding granted by Business and Arts South Africa
• Under the age of 35
• Not represented by a commercial gallery
• Currently working in any contemporary visual art medium
• Will benefit from a period of intense studio time and support to develop new work for a solo exhibition
• Not currently studying or enrolled into any academic institution
• Based in the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
The winner of the award will receive:
• A 3-month residency at the Bag Factory Artists Studios in Johannesburg including a modest contribution to Johannesburg-based accommodation and a studio at our premises.
Please note: Visa costs and travel insurance are NOT included and will be for the artist’s own expense.
• Contribution towards the artist’s residency stipend, materials, and exhibition costs. Please note that the costs of transporting artworks back to the artist’s home country are NOT included and will be at the artist’s own expense.
• The opportunity to showcase new work produced during the residency in a solo exhibition at the Bag Factory.
• An individualised programme of mentoring and professional development opportunities, developed with the artist.
• Curatorial and pastoral support from Bag Factory's team.
• Opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth through the exchange of ideas and mentorship.
The artist is expected to:
• Arrive on time and stay for the full programme period (3 months). The programme duration and dates are not negotiable.
• Work from the Bag Factory for a minimum of 4 days per week, interacting with Bag Factory, and local artists.
• Participate in the Bag Factory’s community ethos of learning and sharing through exchange.
• Produce new and exciting work for a solo show at the Bag Factory.
• Participate in marketing and PR activities facilitated by the Bag Factory.
• Complete a written report on the programme on completion of the residency.
• Donate an artwork to the Bag Factory at the end of the residency to support creative programmes for future beneficiaries.
Important dates include:
Deadline for Entries: Sunday, 05 May 2024, 23H59pm (SAST)
Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted: Friday, 17 May 2024
Recipient Announcement: Tuesday, 04 June 2024.
Residency Dates: Monday, 10 June 2024 – Friday, 30 August 2024, for South African nationals and residents and/or Monday, 08 July 2024 – Friday, 27 September 2024, as we may experience delays in the issuing of travel visas to South Africa.
Final Exhibition Opening: Saturday, 31 August 2024 or 28 September 2024
Candidates should consider their availability during the above timeline.
To apply, candidates should submit their applications, by filling in the application form by clicking the link: https://forms.gle/eUKmHeUjuwYYrWXo9
The form includes:
• A representative portfolio containing at least 20 works, produced in the past three years.
• An exhibition/ project outline – including a projected timeline – indicating what you will be working towards during your residency.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae, including three contactable references: their full names, email addresses and contact numbers.
• A brief letter of motivation, not more than one A4 page long, outlining reasons for wishing to join the programme and why specifically you wish to come to the Bag Factory.
*Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Selection Process:
The award is adjudicated by a committee consisting of representatives from the Bag Factory (including studio artists), alongside the Strauss & Co. selection team and industry specialists.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview by Friday, 17 May 2024. If you have not heard from us by this date please consider your application unsuccessful.