$15,000 Chizi Wigwe Prize: A Call for Young Artists to Envision ‘Africa in 2100’
Image from the Chizi Wigwe Prize Launch.
The 1952 Africa Foundation, in collaboration with the HOW Foundation, has introduced the inaugural Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism. This prestigious award offers an impressive $15,000 to a talented African artist whose work creatively engages with the theme ‘Africa in 2100’.
This initiative serves as a dynamic platform for artists to explore predictive and innovative artistic practices, emphasizing the importance of African Futurism in shaping future narratives. It exemplifies the foundation’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive creative environment where African artists are empowered to influence global cultural discussions.
Exploring the Theme: Africa in 2100
Structured around African Futurism, this prize invites artists to fuse cultural heritage with technological innovation and forward-thinking ideas. Proposed works should respond to guiding questions such as:
- What might African societies look like in 2100?
- How will technological advancements transform cultural traditions, art forms, and knowledge systems across the continent?
- What role can Africa play in tackling global challenges and fostering shared futures?
African Futurism distinguishes itself by centering the continent’s unique cosmologies, histories, and experiences. It aims to envision futures that are both socially and technologically transformative, rooted deeply in local contexts.
Eligibility and Artistic Disciplines
The Chizi Wigwe Prize is open to African artists aged 18 to 45, covering all forms of creative expression. Disciplines eligible for submission include, but are not limited to, visual arts, performance, digital media, design, and interdisciplinary practices. Artists must submit an original project that aligns with the overarching theme of ‘Africa in 2100’.
Submission Requirements
Interested artists must provide the following:
- Project Proposal: A comprehensive outline detailing the proposed work while demonstrating its connection to African Futurism and the thematic focus.
- Portfolio: A curated selection of past works that showcase the artist’s vision and practice.
- Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: A summary of professional experience and noteworthy accomplishments.
- Reference Letter: An endorsement from an art director or a senior representative of a cultural institution, affirming the applicant’s talent and potential.
- Statement of Purpose: A concise document, no longer than one page, expressing the applicant’s artistic aspirations and detailing how the prize would facilitate their growth.
All applications must be submitted through the designated online form.
Important Deadlines and Inquiries
The submission deadline for entries is set for 31 March 2026. For additional information, applicants can reach out to the foundation at info@1952africa.art.
The Chizi Wigwe Prize is a significant opportunity that positions artistic vision as a pivotal element in shaping alternative futures. By encouraging artists to contemplate ‘Africa in 2100’, this award places creative practices at the forefront of conversations about technological progress, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of the continent in the upcoming century.
Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism before the 31 March 2026 deadline!
