This year is the 63rd competition at The Arts Association of Bellville.

Established under a different name in 1963, Vuleka, meaning “open” in isiXhosa, is the oldest continuous art competition in South Africa. The competition is open to all artists from Africa who has not yet held a solo exhibition. This important event is without a doubt the barometer for the future of art in our region.

This will be the fourth year where adjudication is done in such a way that not even the three judges are aware of each other’s choices till the very end, assuring a fair and impartial process.

According to the historical records of Art.b, the competition has drawn entries from now prominent artists over the 60 years including William Kentridge, Sue Williamson, Christo Coetzee, Pippa Skotnes, Andries Gouws and many more. This year’s competition drew 216 entries of which a selection of 42 finalists are displayed at the gallery as well as on our website, e-commerce platform.

The competition is unique since all mediums, including conceptual pieces come under the same scrutiny and are evaluated on an equal footing.

All entry fees are used towards the prize money.

This year the work is of an exceptionally high standard and the judges had a hard time eliminating artworks.