Entries open for Bank Windhoek Triennial, with big prizes in store

Entries for the Bank Windhoek Triennial have opened, marking the first themed edition with 'Namibian identity: the lines of a country’s contours and wealth'.

National Art Gallery of Namibia chief curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda explained that the prizes in this year’s triennial are fewer but bigger. “We realised that if we had fewer prizes, we could give away larger amounts of prize money," Shivute-Nakapunda said.

“We want the prize money to be no less than what the artist’s artwork is worth and to award an amount that can really make a difference in an artist’s career and enable them to create more art and thus also make a career out of it,” she said in an interview on Network Television’s (NTV) programme Kletskompas.

Worthy prizes - The first prize in this year’s triennial is N$50 000 and a solo exhibition at the NAGN.

The second prize is N$30 000 and a bursary for materials, while the artist in third place will receive N$20 000. The entry form and the artist’s artwork must be submitted by 27 May. “The opening exhibition will be held on 6 August at 18:00 at the NAGN and everyone is invited,” Shivute-Nakapunda said.

The curator said the competition is one of the most important platforms through which the quality and value of Namibian visual arts are showcased. She further encouraged Namibians to support local artists. “We buy all these things from the stores to make our homes beautiful, but you can actually buy a Namibian piece of art for the same price that will beautify your home with a narrative you can relate to," she said. “And you are literally supporting someone’s livelihood and the livelihood of their families.”

She also believes that Namibian art can be an investment. “Art doesn’t lose value, so you are buying an asset. Look at [John] Muafangejo; his work is now worth thousands of dollars, where it once cost N$50,” Shivute-Nakapunda pointed out.