Lindokuhle Sobekwa wins major photography prize

South African photographer Lindokuhle Sobekwa has been awarded the inaugural John Kobal Foundation Fellowship, presented by the Tate in recognition of outstanding photography. Given every two years to “an artist or collective who… has established an outstanding body of lens-based work,” the  £50,000 prize was set up “to enable an artist to move their practice forward in a way they would not otherwise be able to.” Additionally, Foundation is collaborating with Tate Modern in London to present a series of accompanying annual lectures. The program begins with Sobekwa, who becomes the first Kobal Fellow. The 28-year-old South African photographer will travel to London to give his lecture at Tate Modern’s Starr Cinema on the evening of March 30.

Norval Sovereign Art Prize exhibition opens next week

The finalist for this year’s Norval Sovereign African Art Prize will be chosen on 25 January to win R500,000 and a solo show at Norval Foundation. Thereafter, there will be an auction of all the finalists’ work by Sotheby’s, the proceeds of which will towards towards the artists and the Norval Foundation Education Programme. The winner of the Public Vote Prize will win R25,000, so be sure to cast your vote for your favourite work here.

Pro Helvetia presents an open call for residencies

Pro Helvetia has launched its annual open call for residency applications. Cultural practitioners from Southern, East, West and Central Africa can apply for residencies in Switzerland (all possible countries are listed on our website). The residency programme is open to artists and cultural practitioners (curators, writers, etc.) working in the fields of visual arts, design and interactive media, music, literature and performing arts, as well as arts practitioners with a transdisciplinary focus. Pro Helvetia provides accommodation, travel costs, a daily allowance, professional guidance, a workplace (on request) and a contribution towards production/material costs (on request). Apply here.