Celebrating 40 years of opening doors, the 2026 edition brought major heat with a record number of registrations and hundreds of eligible entries spanning 12 Absa African markets. An independent panel of adjudicators appointed by Absa and SANAVA had the tough job of picking the best of the best, while IFAS and the Embassy of France in South Africa separately appointed the panel for the Gerard Sekoto Award.

Speaking about the 2026 class of Absa L’Atelier Art Award winners, Absa Group Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curator, Dr Paul Bayliss, said: “This year’s submissions brought an extraordinary depth of perspective, and the calibre of talent in this year’s competition was exceptional. The submissions demonstrated unique storytelling and emotional depth, while the winning artworks showcased both artistic mastery and remarkable technical skill. These four artists pushed their creative boundaries and sparked meaningful conversations amongst the adjudicators. They stood out as true representations of the vibrant future of art in Africa. As Absa L’Atelier Art celebrates 40 years of opening doors for emerging artists, we are proud to recognise these artists as our 2026 award winners and to give them a platform to share their brilliant work with the world.”

The big reveal took place at the inaugural Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair at Waterfall City Park on Saturday, 10 October 2026, an event that mixed art, culture, lifestyle, and live entertainment so vibrantly to mark the 40th-anniversary milestone.

The 2026 Winners

Three visionary creatives walked away with the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Awards:

• Ghana: Reginald Boateng

• Zambia: Emmanuel Chisenga

• Nigeria: Segun Owolabi

This year was extra special for Zambia, marking its first-ever Ambassador Award win since the competition introduced its group structure in 2019.

What the Ambassadors win:

• A solo exhibition with Absa contributing R100,000 towards material costs.

• Masterclasses from top global art authorities.

• A brand-new laptop (or equivalent) pre-loaded with Windows and MS Office.

• A four-month mentorship with a leading visual arts expert from their home country.

The Gerard Sekoto Award Winner

The coveted Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award went to Durban-based South African artist Treasure Mlima.

Established 18 years ago, this award honours a South African creative showcasing pure integrity and artistic excellence. The Embassy of France in South Africa and IFAS (the Embassy's cultural arm) make the award possible through an ongoing partnership.

Jean Spiri, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi and Director of IFAS, said: “Gerard Sekoto’s legacy reminds us of the importance of artistic freedom and exchange across borders. Through this award, emerging South African artists can develop their practice and forge international connections. We congratulate the 2026 recipient and remain committed to supporting artistic exchange between France and South Africa.”

What Treasure wins:

• A three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France, from April to June 2027.

• A solo exhibition backed by R100,000 from Absa for material costs.

Looking Ahead

SANAVA remains the competition's longest-standing partner.

National Secretary of SANAVA, Ané du Plessis, said: “SANAVA is proud to be the longest-standing partner of the Absa L’Atelier Art Awards, a platform that continues to create meaningful opportunities for emerging artists across the continent. The Awards play an important role in recognising artistic excellence, encouraging young artists to pursue their creative journeys, and opening doors to new opportunities and international exposure. We are delighted to celebrate this year’s talented artists and to be part of an initiative that contributes so significantly to the growth and development of the visual arts in Africa.”

Ready for 2027?

If you're an emerging visual artist looking to take your career to the next level, start prepping your portfolio now! Entries for the 2027 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition officially open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.