Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) have revealed the names of 29 artists shortlisted as finalists for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2025 sponsored by Schroders, an annual award for contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora.
Kondi Nkosi, country head South Africa at Schroders, the title sponsor, said of the partnership, “Schroders is thrilled to be partnering with Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation in the sponsorship of this prestigious award. The award does an excellent job of promoting contemporary African art on the world stage and raising money for arts education programmes in Africa. As a global investment manager with a strong local presence and a high regard for the rich cultural diversity of the African continent, we’re proud to play a role in advancing the careers and international exposure of these talented artists while also supporting the education of African learners through art and creativity.”
A board of independent arts professionals – comprising curators, collectors, writers and academics who work closely with artists in their respective regions – nominated artists to enter the Prize; 29 finalists, representing 18 different nationalities, were then shortlisted by a panel of five world-class art specialists.
The panel includes Raphael Chikukwa, executive director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe; Tim Marlow, chief executive and director at the Design Museum, UK; Same Mdluli, artist, art historian, curator and writer; Thato Mogotsi – Curator of Contemporary Art at Zeitz MOCAA, and Simon Njami – Independent Curator, Lecturer, Art Critic and Novelist.
The Norval Foundation Museum director, Caroline Greyling, said: “Norval Foundation is pleased to be welcoming a wide range of fantastic finalists to the 4th edition of the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize.