Now in its fifteenth 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 required by emerging artists.

The open call invites artists who meet the following criteria to apply:

• 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 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 in Johannesburg visa costs and travel insurance are NOT included and will be at the artist’s 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.
• Curatorial and pastoral support from the Bag Factory’s staff.
• Opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth through the exchange of ideas, mentorship and skills development.

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 3 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: Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 17H00pm (SAST)

Shortlisted Candidates Contacted: 29 June 2025

Recipient Announcement: 1st Week of July 2025

Residency Dates: Monday, 14 July 2025 – Friday, 31 October 2025, for South African nationals and permanent residents Monday, 11 August 2025 – Friday, 31 October 2025, for foreign artists, as we may experience delays in the issuing of travel visas to South Africa.

Final Exhibition Opening: Anticipated to take place from latest Saturday, 1 November 2025

Candidates should consider their availability during the
above timeline.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not heard from us by 2nd wek of July 2025.

bagfactoryart.org.za