Emerging South African visual artists are being invited to apply for the 2026 Dalro Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA), an initiative designed to help accelerate careers through professional development, mentorship, residencies and exhibition opportunities.
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Launched by the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (Dalro) in partnership with Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, LL Editions and William Humphreys Art Gallery, VAMA goes beyond recognition by providing artists with practical support to develop sustainable creative careers.
Ten finalists will be selected to exhibit their work in a group exhibition at Dalro in Johannesburg and participate in professional development workshops covering areas including exhibition development, financial management, marketing, copyright, contracts, pricing and sustainable creative practice.
The winner will receive a 12-month development programme comprising residencies at Bag Factory in Johannesburg and LL Editions, mentorship, accommodation, materials and living support. The programme will culminate in a solo exhibition at Bag Factory.
The runner-up will receive an eight-week residency at William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley, including mentorship, materials, accommodation and living support, culminating in a solo exhibition.
The award is open to South African citizens aged 18-35 who are based in South Africa. Applicants must be emerging or developing visual artists who are not represented by a gallery or artist manager and must have an arts or related qualification, community-based learning or other relevant training. Eligible disciplines include painting, drawing, photography, textiles, tapestry, sculpture, video and mixed-media installation.
There is no entry fee.
Applicants must submit a single PDF containing their biography, CV, artist statement, portfolio of five to 10 recent works, certified South African ID, motivation letter, completed entry form and a project proposal outlining how they would use the residency opportunities to develop their practice
With its combination of funding, professional development, mentorship and exhibition opportunities, VAMA 2026 offers emerging artists an opportunity to turn creative potential into a stronger, more sustainable professional practice.
Applications close at 23h59 (SAST) on Friday, 4 September 2026. More information can be found here.
