The South African Pavilion Schools Art Competition has been an extraordinary journey, culminating in a breathtaking exhibition that showcased the incredible talent and creative vision of Matric-level visual art students across the country. As part of South Africa’s representation at the prestigious Venice Biennale Arte 2025, this competition provided young artists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with the Biennale’s themes and present their work on a national stage.
Empowering young artists
The competition invited high school students to explore the theme “Quiet Ground”, prompting them to reflect on their personal and collective connections to heritage, land, and tradition in contemporary society. The response was overwhelming, with a remarkable collection of painting submissions that thoughtfully captured the essence of Quiet Ground, an exhibition exploring the deep connections between land, memory, and identity in South Africa’s journey of cultural restoration. Each piece was a testament to the depth of talent, thoughtfulness, and innovation among South Africa’s next generation of artists.
The highlight of the competition was the grand exhibition held on 22 March 2025 at the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
“The successful conclusion of the school’s competition for the 2024 South African Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale also marks the final activation of the main pavilion exhibition in Venice. The competition provided an inspiring opportunity for young students to engage with the main exhibition in Venice and its themes. The quality of the submitted work was high, offering a heartening glimpse into the future of our art. Both the competition and the pavilion have allowed us to showcase our nation positively as a culturally productive society,” says Masana Chikeka, Acting Chief Director for Cultural Development, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
A Future Shaped by Creativity
The South African Pavilion Schools Art Competition not only provided students with national recognition but also opened doors for future artistic opportunities. The exposure gained through the exhibition has set these young creatives on paths toward impactful careers in the arts. Many have expressed how the competition challenged them to think critically about their artistic practice, deepening their engagement with cultural narratives and contemporary issues.
The Winners and Finalists
The competition’s first-place winner was:
- Lukonde Mwanza of Clarendon High School for Girls in East London
- Lungelo Mazibuko, also from Clarendon High School, took second place while
- Layla Wilcox from Somerset College in Somerset West was awarded third place.
Other finalists included:
- James Youens from Hilton College in KZN
- Anuschka De Jager from Clarendon High School for Girls in East London,
- Vince Mitag from Somerset College in Somerset West
- Emily Lewis from Somerset College in Somerset West
For more information about the South African Pavilion at the Venice Biennale Arte 2025 and future opportunities, visit https://sapavilion or stay up to date by following on social media at @sa_pavilion.
