The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, in partnership with Strauss & Co Fine Art Auctioneers and SMAC Gallery, is excited to announce that the call for the 2019 Cassirer Welz Award is now OPEN.

Now in its 8th year, the Cassirer Welz Award celebrates the lives of the late Reinhold Cassirer who was a renowned art dealer and Stephan Welz, the late art auctioneer and founder of Strauss & Co. The award has given emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience. The award acknowledges artists specialising in sculpture, drawing and painting with an opportunity of a ten-week residency at the Bag Factory Artists’ studios, from 10 December 2018 – 15 February 2019.

“Since its inception, this award has seen the winners launch their careers and really start making a name for themselves within the South Africa art market,” says Susie Goodman, General Manager, Strauss & Co Johannesburg. Previous winners include artists such as Blessing Ngobeni, Nompumelelo Ngoma, Tshepo Mosopa, Asanda Kupa, Thato Nhlapho, Richard “Specs” Ndimande and Keneilwe Mokoena.

The award will provide the recipient with studio space, a contribution towards material costs, and transport stipend, as well as the opportunity to interact with the resident artists at the Bag Factory. Through the exchange of ideas, mentorship and skills development, the artist has an opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth.

Upon completion of the Award, the artist will present their newly created work in an exhibition at SMAC Gallery, Johannesburg in 2019.

How can artists apply for the Cassirer award?

Applicants MUST submit (preferably by email):
1. a single A4-page typed motivation, including personal details and outlining reasons why the artists believe he or she deserves the award.

2. a representative portfolio of the artist’s work including at least three original works of art and no more than 15, preferably by email. Images should not be larger than 300 kilobytes and each email no larger than two megabytes. Please make sure that the images submitted are titled with the year, medium, size and title of the work.

3. the artist’s curriculum vitae

4. a copy of the artist’s South African ID

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 18 NOVEMBER 2018

Applications must be sent to applications@bagfactoryart.org.za.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The winner of the award will be contacted towards the end of November 2018.
If you have not heard from us by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.

What does the Award Winner receive?

The award winner will receive the following:
* 10-week residency at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios
* A material allowance
* A small daily per diem

Please note that we do not provide accommodation or transport costs as part of the award.