Standard Bank Young Talent and the National Arts Festival announces the 6  winners of the Standard Bank Young Artists for 2022

From visual art to dance, jazz, music, theatre, and poetry, the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards is an annual award program for South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen field. The award, established in 1981 by the National Arts Festival of South Africa is a sought-after accolade. It is both a badge of honor and a golden opportunity; a recognition of creativity, originality, talent, hard work, ambition, and imagination – and a platform on which to build in pursuit of new artistic achievements. 

The winners are also given the opportunity to showcase their work at the National Arts Festival, with substantial financial support provided through Standard Bank.

The six Standard Bank Young Artists for 2022 are: LADY SKOLLIE (Visual Arts), Koleka Putuma (Poetry), Msaki (Music), Mahlatsi Mokgonyana and Billy Langa (Theatre Duo), Thamsanqa Majela (Dance) and Linda Sikhakhane (Jazz)

The relationship between the National Arts Festival and the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards remains vital to the impact of the awards: both on the careers of the recipients and on the country’s creative sector. Award winners will be given the opportunity to direct, perform or exhibit at the 2023 National Arts Festival, with substantial financial support provided through Standard Bank’s sponsorship. 

Says National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton, “The 2022 Standard Bank Artists are a cutting-edge and diverse group of creatives that are defining the South African cultural moment. We look forward to their fresh perspectives and original performances at the 2023 National Arts Festival. The awards have made it possible for hundreds of artists to be part of the National Arts Festival over the last 41 years and to take their careers to new heights. We would like to thank our partners Standard Bank for their ongoing commitment to the arts in South Africa.”

Standard Bank has continuously adapted to constantly changing economic, social, political, and cultural environments – and the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are no exception, ensuring maximum benefits for the South African arts industry and proving to young artists that #ItCanBe.

For more information, please visit Standard Bank Young Artist Award.