The Javett-UP is calling for emerging under-represented visual artists based in Tshwane and surrounding areas within Gauteng to be part of the second edition of Tlhagella Incubation Programme.

This initiative seeks to nurture and empower emerging artists, provide professional practice and entrepreneurial skills and create career opportunities through participation in an exhibition, with networking and income-generating activities.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Emerging artists based in Tshwane and the surrounding areas within Gauteng who:

• Are between ages 18 and 35;
• Have 2 to 5 examples of work;
• Never participated in more than 2 group exhibitions.
• Priority will be given to female artists.

Closing Date for submissions is on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at 15:00.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Tlhagella Incubation Programme unfolds in four key phases designed to equip emerging artists with professional skills and tangible career opportunities. In Phase 1 (Professional Practice and Career Training Workshop), fifty selected participants will attend a one-day at Javett-UP on 28 November 2025, where industry experts will guide them on portfolio development, marketing, legal basics, and navigating the art ecosystem.

In Phase 2 (Portfolio Submissions), workshop attendees will submit portfolios by 9 January 2026, from which ten artists will be selected for an intensive development process culminating in an Exhibition and Networking programme at Javett-UP (Phase 3), opening 18 April 2026 and running for three months. Prior to exhibiting, these artists will attend additional training in curatorial and exhibition practices. In this phase, featured artists will receive curatorial support, stipends, and marketing assistance to present their work professionally.

Finally, Phase 4 (Art Commissions & Sales) will see five of the exhibiting artists commissioned to produce limited-edition artworks or merchandise for sale at the Javett-UP Shop and online, offering both visibility and income through a profit-sharing model.

The Tlhagella Incubation Programme is part of Javett-UP’s broader initiative, EmpowerED: Art as a Catalyst for Education, Engagement, and Economic Empowerment, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). This programme adopts a holistic approach to identifying, nurturing, and supporting talent within the visual and digital arts mediums by providing professional mentorship, and creating platforms for greater visibility and economic growth.

More information about the full programme and application process is available on www.javettup.com