OPEN CALL TO VISUAL ARTISTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR A SOLO EXHIBITION AT OLIEWENHUIS ART MUSEUM
Oliewenhuis Art Museum invites South African visual artists to submit a solo exhibition proposal for consideration for placement on the Museum’s exhibition calendar.
Artists who meet the criteria for a solo exhibition will be shortlisted for placement on the exhibition calendar within the next four years, at one of the suitable gallery venues at Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Artists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the various gallery options available. Outdoor exhibitions can also be accommodated within reason.
CLOSING DATE FOR PROPOSALS:
29 May 2026 at 11h00
1. ONLINE BRIEFING SESSION
If you would like more information, please attend our online briefing session. A non-compulsory briefing session is scheduled as follows:
Date: 6 March 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99263694627?pwd=JDIVV1ZFbMF3lj9TmPmXx0kD0fXY1Y.1
Meeting ID: 992 6369 4627
Passcode: 060854
If you do not attend the briefing session, you may still submit a proposal.
2. ABOUT OLIEWENHUIS ART MUSEUM
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a satellite museum of the National Museum. The Museum’s mission is to collect, conserve and exhibit works of art that represent the heritage of South African art on behalf of and to the advantage and edification of the entire community.
The Museum is committed to setting standards of quality and clarity for its collections and exhibitions. By collecting and exhibiting the best work it can afford, the Museum fosters in the community a sense of pride and ownership of its holdings, programmes, and goals.
3. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
Late proposals will not be considered and will be disqualified immediately.
All proposals received on or before the deadline will be evaluated as follows:
Stage 1: Pre-screening Committee
All applications will be pre-screened to determine whether all compulsory documents have been submitted. Non-adherence to the compulsory requirements will result in disqualification
Compulsory documents:
- A completed and signed application form
- Copy of South African ID (ID documents of finalists will be verified)
Stage 2: Evaluation Committee
An evaluation committee will score each proposal based on merit. Proposals scoring 60 and above will be recommended for placement on the 24-month exhibition calendar. The Museum reserves the right to limit the number of solo exhibitions should such a need arise.
Award:
The delegated official will finalise the artists selected for solo exhibitions on the 24-month calendar.
Functionality Criteria for Solo Exhibition
Proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- South African citizenship (SA ID required)
- Experience producing visual art post tertiary studies or art training
- Experience participating in exhibitions (group or solo, local or international)
- Awards and recognition in the visual arts field
- Conceptual value and relevance of the proposed solo exhibition within the South African context
- Availability of at least 10 completed quality artworks
- Technical quality and suitability of artworks for exhibition
Artists scoring 65 points or above will be considered by the CEO and recommended to Council for solo exhibitions in accordance with the exhibition calendar.
Preference may be applied, should space constraints arise, to:
- Historically disadvantaged and/or disabled artists who have not previously had a solo exhibition at Oliewenhuis Art Museum
- Artists who have not had a solo exhibition at Oliewenhuis Art Museum in the last 10 years
Council decisions are final. No appeals are available.
Important Information
- The call is open to all South African artists (not limited to Free State artists).
- Exhibitions normally run between 4 and 10 weeks.
- Artists must be available for the exhibition opening and related walkabout.
- The Museum will pay for transport of artworks within South Africa and will insure artworks while on the premises.
- Permission for the use of artwork images in promotional and educational materials is a condition of the exhibition.
- No physical artworks are to be sent to the Museum as part of the proposal.
Applications and Queries:
Application forms and the detailed advert are available at: https://nationalmuseum.co.za/open-call-to-visual-artists/
Applications must be sent to: publicart@nasmus.co.za
Queries must be submitted in writing to: oliewen@nasmus.co.za
For more information about the Museum, visit: www.nasmus.co.za
We look forward to receiving your proposal.
