Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, in collaboration with Strauss & Co. Education and Fine Art Auctioneers, announces Tawanda Takura as the 13th winner of the Cassirer Welz Award.

The selection jury, which included Bag Factory Director Maria Fidel Regueros and Programmes Manager Nala Xaba, as well as Strauss & Co. Executive Director Client Advisory Khetiwe McClain and Art Specialist Arisha Maharaj, agreed that Takura stands out as an exceptional artist. His self-taught practice in found object sculpture will significantly benefit from this opportunity for both creative and professional growth.

Takura will receive a three-month residency at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios from 08 July to 27 September 2024, where he will work alongside permanent and visiting artists at all stages in their careers. The residency includes contributions to travel, accommodation, per diem, materials, and production costs. The residency will culminate in a solo exhibition of new works at the Bag Factory, opening to the public at the end of September.

About the artist

Tawanda Takura has exhibited with Village Unhu at Cape Town Art Fair (2017, 2018) and Joburg Art Fair (2018), and undertook a residency in Joburg with the South African Foundation for Contemporary Art (SAFFCA) in 2019. His work was included in a group show at the Guns & Rain Gallery in March 2019, the Cape Town Art Fair (2020), and in a two-man show with Thina Dube (2020). He has since participated in the group exhibitions Unnatural Objects and Meeting Places, a collaborative exhibition with Bag Factory (2021). In 2021 he participated in a residency with Guns & Rain and in a residency at the Nirox Sculpture Park, one after the other. He also had work showing during the Nirox Winter Exhibition, 2022.

About the award

Established in 2011 by Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer in honor of her husband Reinhold Cassirer’s passion for the arts, this award has become a distinguished recognition for emerging local artists. Following the death of Stephan Welz, the award was renamed to Cassirer Welz Award to honor both men’s contributions to the South African art scene. Through its enduring partnership with Strauss Education, the Cassirer Welz Award has been instrumental in launching the careers of its recipients, helping them gain recognition in the South African art market. As the award celebrates over a decade of excellence, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios and Strauss Education continue their commitment to fostering emerging talent.

Since its inception this award has seen the winners launch their careers and start making a name for themselves within the South African art market. Previous winners include Blessing Ngobeni, Bulumko Mbete, Nompumelelo Ngoma, Tshepo Mosopa, Asanda Kupa, Thato Nhlapho, Richard “Specs” Ndimande, Keneilwe Mokoena, DuduBloom More and Levy Pooe.