Stellenbosch Academy invites South Africa's young artists to enter 2026 SAVAC competition

Now in its 2nd year, SAVAC gives young artists and photographers a platform to gain recognition, exhibit their work, access scholarships, and connect with future study and career opportunities. Finalists' work will be exhibited at The Academy as part of the Toyota Woordfees Festival, placing their talent in front of one of South Africa's leading arts and culture audiences. This year's competition theme, "Resonance," invites learners to explore how their work speaks to and reflects the world around them.

Entries open on 6 July and close on 28 August 2026. The competition's grand prize in each category is a year’s full tuition sponsorship to study at The Academy in either the Higher Certificate in Photography or the Higher Certificate in Drawing, offering two exceptional young creative the opportunity to turn their talent into a future career. Winners will take home a share of R35 000, plus exciting, sponsored prizes from Deckle Edge and Digicape.

"SAVAC is about more than recognising talent - it's about showing young South Africans that their creative voice has a place in the world. Every year we see learners walk in unsure of where their work fits and walk out with the confidence that comes from being taken seriously as artists. That shift is what we're really investing in," said Barbara Fassler, Director of the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.

More than a competition, SAVAC is an investment in the next generation of South African creative talent, recognising not only finished artwork, but the potential of the young people behind it.

Interested learners can find entry details and submission guidelines at www.stellenboschacademy.co.za, under the SAVAC heading.

The winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on Saturday, 3 October at The Academy.