Learners invited to enter Stellenbosch Academy Visual Arts Competition

High school learners in grades 10 to 12 are invited to enter the 2026 Stellenbosch Academy Visual Arts Competition (SAVAC), where two academic bursaries are up for grabs.

The competition is presented in collaboration with Words Open Worlds (WOW) at Stellenbosch University, and the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. Now in its second year, SAVAC provides a platform for young artists and photographers to showcase their work and be recognised, secure bursary opportunities, and network about their future studies and careers.

Finalists’ work will be exhibited at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, placing their talent in front of one of the largest arts festival audiences on the continent.

The theme for this year’s competition, “Resonance”, invites learners to explore the ways in which their work reflects and speaks to the world around them.

Entries open on 6 July and close on 31 July 2026. The grand prize covers one full year’s tuition fees for two learners to study towards a Higher Certificate in Photography or Drawing at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography (SADP).

“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,” says Barbara Fassler, Director of SADP.

Interested learners can visit stellenboschacademy.co.za for details and entry guidelines.

The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees takes place from 3 to 11 October. Find the full programme at woordfees.co.za/en/ and visit wow.woordfees.co.za/en/ to read about WOW’s educational empowerment initiatives.

Media enquiries:

Nicky Mullinos (SAVAC): nickym@stellenboschacademy.co.za

Candice Jantjies (WOW and Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees): candice@woordfees.co.za