Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) today announced the names of 30 artists shortlisted as finalists for the second edition of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, an annual award for contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora.

The finalists are: Alioune Diagne, Amy Rusch, Andrew Esiebo, Arébénor Basséne, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, Dimakatso Mathopa, Esther Mahlangu, Famakan Magassa, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Hamedine Kane, Huda Lufti, Januario Jano, Jeanne Gaigher, Jess Atieno, Lakin Ogunbanwo, Lebohang Kganye, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Mário Macilau, Mbaye Diop, Micha Serraf, Michaela Younge, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Saïd Afifi, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Tegene Kunbi, Teresa Kutala Firmino, Tuli-Mekondjo, Wallen Mapondera, Willie Bester and Yaw Owusu.

The finalists were selected from 326 entries and represent 15 countries from across the continent. A board of independent arts professionals – comprising curators and academics who work closely with artists in their respective regions – nominated artists to enter the Prize. The 30 finalists were then shortlisted by a panel of five world-class art specialists, namely: artist and Grand Prize Winner of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2022 Bonolo Kavula; writer, curator, and museum director David Elliott; independent exhibition producer, Janine Gaëlle Dieudji; exhibition curator and contemporary art consultant, Marie-Ann Yemsi; and Chief Executive and Director, Design Museum, London, Tim Marlow.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize celebrates the practices of leading contemporary artists and aims to benefit them by further increasing their exposure to an international audience. The Grand Prize is a cash award of R500 000 South African Rand and the opportunity for a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation in Cape Town.

The shortlisted artworks will be presented to the public in a Finalists Exhibition at Norval Foundation from 25 January – 20 March 2023, where visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite artist. Together with online votes, the most popular artist will be awarded the Public Vote Prize (R25 000 South African Rand).

The Prize aims to raise significant funds for the shortlisted artists and for Norval Foundation’s Educational Programme in an equal split through an online auction hosted by Sotheby’s (25 January – 1 February). There will be an auction launch and exhibition opening on 25 January, at which the Grand Prize Winner will be announced.