As the FNB Joburg Art Fair approaches, two new art awards have been announced for local artists.

FNB, who have been involved in the Joburg Art Fair since its inception, have this year taken on naming rights, and also elected to sponsor a major art prize at the fair. The FNB Art Prize will go to one artist per year, nominated by galleries participating in the fair. The winner will be announced on opening night, and will take home a cash prize of R100 000. The three finalists, whose work will also be exhibited at the fair, are Athi-Patra...

As the FNB Joburg Art Fair approaches, two new art awards have been announced for local artists.

FNB, who have been involved in the Joburg Art Fair since its inception, have this year taken on naming rights, and also elected to sponsor a major art prize at the fair. The FNB Art Prize will go to one artist per year, nominated by galleries participating in the fair. The winner will be announced on opening night, and will take home a cash prize of R100 000. The three finalists, whose work will also be exhibited at the fair, are Athi-Patra Ruga, represented by whatiftheworld, photographer Cedric Nunn, represented by Bailey Seippel and Mauritian artist, Nirveda Alek, represented by Migrant C. 

The Sovereign African Art Prize will also be awarded for the first time this year, also at the FNB Joburg Art Fair. Initiated by The Sovereign Art Foundation, which runs seven Asian art prizes, and four in Europe, entry to the prize is also by nomination only. 20 finalists will be exhibited at the FNB Joburg Art Fair and the winner, who will be chosen by a panel of judges at the fair, will receive a cash prize of US$25,000. Works by the 20 finalists will be sold, with proceeds being split evenly between the finalists and charity. There will also be a people’s choice award of US$1,000.

The FNB Joburg Art Fair takes place from 23-25 September, at the Sandton Convention Centre.