Namibia's artistic identity takes center stage in triennial competition
In a bid to deepen the national conversation around identity and to nurture creative talent, Bank Windhoek and the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) on Tuesday launched the 2025 Bank Windhoek Triennial, the country’s largest and most prestigious art competition.
Unveiled at a ceremony in Windhoek, the sixth edition of the Triennial will explore the theme ‘Namibian Identity: The Linework of a Country’s Contours and Wealth.’ The competition is set to award N$50,000 to the overall winner, alongside the rare opportunity to stage a solo exhibition at the NAGN. The second and third prize winners will receive N$35,000 and N$25,000 respectively, with additional career development support provided by the gallery.
This year’s edition also introduces a focused category for emerging artists under the age of 35, who will be integrated into the NAGN’s established emerging artists’ programme, offering them mentorship and exhibition opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, Bronwyn Moody, Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, described the Triennial as a convergence of Namibian creative energy. “For Bank Windhoek, the Triennale is a mirror held up to society, reflecting our collective journey with endless possibilities. This platform is also where bold ideas take shape, tradition meets innovation, and the universal language of creativity speaks louder than ever,” said Moody.
Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the competition since 2008, underscoring its long-standing commitment to supporting Namibian arts and culture. “As a proud Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the National Art Gallery of Namibia’s largest exhibition and art competition since 2008, providing a pivotal stage to foster creativity and shape the future of Namibian art,” Moody added.
NAGN Director Michelle Van Wyk echoed the importance of the platform as a space for courageous artistic expression and as a channel to present Namibian narratives to the world.
“It is important for Namibians to stand together to visually translate our identity on international platforms. We must use these opportunities to tell the world who we are and who we are growing into,” she said.
NAGN Chief Curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda highlighted the growing participation of artists from all corners of Namibia. “This year, we have partnered with art extension offices to ensure that artists in the regions have access to information about the competition and are supported to develop their work. These offices will also form part of our selection committee to ensure that submitted work meets the set standard,” she said.
Applications for the 2025 Bank Windhoek Triennial open on Tuesday, 20 May, and forms will be available for download from the Bank Windhoek website.
Unveiled at a ceremony in Windhoek, the sixth edition of the Triennial will explore the theme ‘Namibian Identity: The Linework of a Country’s Contours and Wealth.’ The competition is set to award N$50,000 to the overall winner, alongside the rare opportunity to stage a solo exhibition at the NAGN. The second and third prize winners will receive N$35,000 and N$25,000 respectively, with additional career development support provided by the gallery.
This year’s edition also introduces a focused category for emerging artists under the age of 35, who will be integrated into the NAGN’s established emerging artists’ programme, offering them mentorship and exhibition opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, Bronwyn Moody, Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, described the Triennial as a convergence of Namibian creative energy. “For Bank Windhoek, the Triennale is a mirror held up to society, reflecting our collective journey with endless possibilities. This platform is also where bold ideas take shape, tradition meets innovation, and the universal language of creativity speaks louder than ever,” said Moody.
Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the competition since 2008, underscoring its long-standing commitment to supporting Namibian arts and culture. “As a proud Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the National Art Gallery of Namibia’s largest exhibition and art competition since 2008, providing a pivotal stage to foster creativity and shape the future of Namibian art,” Moody added.
NAGN Director Michelle Van Wyk echoed the importance of the platform as a space for courageous artistic expression and as a channel to present Namibian narratives to the world.
“It is important for Namibians to stand together to visually translate our identity on international platforms. We must use these opportunities to tell the world who we are and who we are growing into,” she said.
NAGN Chief Curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda highlighted the growing participation of artists from all corners of Namibia. “This year, we have partnered with art extension offices to ensure that artists in the regions have access to information about the competition and are supported to develop their work. These offices will also form part of our selection committee to ensure that submitted work meets the set standard,” she said.
Applications for the 2025 Bank Windhoek Triennial open on Tuesday, 20 May, and forms will be available for download from the Bank Windhoek website.
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