The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and grant maker Africa No Filter (ANF) today announced the launch of a visual art competition aimed at boosting the profiles of art and artists on the continent.

The virtual convening is one of several events under the African Union theme for 2021, titled, Year of the Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want. It takes place on 21 October and brings together arts, culture and heritage thought leaders and institutions and funders. The theme is for the competition is The Africa Youth Want.

“This Youth Arts Festival is particularly valued by AUDA-NEPAD as a call to action for African artists, particularly youth, to use innovation and creativity to inspire and reimagine ways of celebrating African heritage and culture," said Ms. Jennifer Chiriga, Chief of Staff at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.

As Africans, we have throughout history used art to tell stories and celebrate our heritage, whether it was through ancient rock art or sculptures, or indeed through contemporary media such as illustrations, sketches, or photography. Art is at the very core of who we are,” Ms. Chiriga added.

Moky Makura, Executive Director at ANF, said the competition is an extension of the organization's mission to supporting storytellers and artists who are using the skill to shift stereotypical narratives about Africa.

"There is a perception that African’s don’t value art and artists and that we don’t celebrate or particularly acknowledge talented visual artists.  We believe their role is critical in society, and it’s refreshing to see this acknowledged by the AU this year. We recognize artists and storytellers for the critical role they play in telling Africa's story," Makura said.

She added that African art is already shinning on regional and global stages. However, it's mostly musicians and actors under the spotlight. She said the partnership between ANF, and an institution of NEPAD's stature, provides an ideal platform for amplifying the work done by visual art and artist to tell Africa's story with nuance and authenticity.

"It's often noted that African has a wealth of raw, young talent – Africa No Filter and NEPAD want to move them into a bigger space," said Makura.

The competition is open to emerging African artists based in Africa and aged under 30 years old. Their art can be in any visual medium – as long as it's creative, innovative and reflects the content's theme, the Africa we want. Artists will retain their intellectual property. Winners will receive a cash prize.

Submissions end on 11 October 2021 at 4 pm GMT. Entries can only be submitted online using this form. Winning artwork will be exhibited at the African Youth Festival and get cash prizes worth $1000, $600 and $400.

Queries can be directed to Millicent Kgeledi at: Millicents@nepad.org