The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, in partnership with Strauss & Co. & the Everard Read Gallery, is excited to announce that the call for the 2017 Cassirer Welz Award is now OPEN. This prestigious Award has helped create and shape the lives and careers of artists such as Blessing Ngobeni and Tshepo Mosopa Nompumelelo Ngoma and many others.
During its 25 year history, the Bag Factory has been at the forefront of the visual arts in South Africa. The organisation has provided studios space and opportunities for both local and international artists to create, network, learn from and guide each other.
Artists such as David Koloane, Penny Siopis, Helen Sebidi, Sam Nhlengethwa, Benon Lutaaya, Deborah Bell and Usha Seejarim have all benefited from our programmes. As part of the international Triangle Network, the Bag Factory is one of almost 30 similar spaces around the world, and this allows us to keep our finger on the pulse of the international contemporary art.
The Cassirer Welz Award, funded by art auctioneers Strauss & Co and the Everard Read Gallery provides an opportunity to an emerging South African artist, in the field of drawing, painting or sculpture, under the age of 35 to spend 10 weeks at the Bag Factory’s studios.
The award will provide the recipient with a prospect to interact with the resident artists at the Bag Factory, and through the exchange of ideas, mentorship and skills development, the artist has an opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth.
Upon completion of the Award, the artist will present their newly created work in an exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery in March 2018.
What does the Award Winner receive?
The award winner will receive the following:
- 10-week residency at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios
- A material allowance
- A small daily per diem
Please note that we do not provide accommodation or transport costs as part of the award.