BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Art Master Africa competition, to promote creativity across the continent.
According to a statement, this year, artists across Africa and the Middle East are challenged to express their interpretation of “Ubuntu,” a Bantu philosophy that emphasises the interconnectedness of humanity, using the iconic BIC ballpoint pen.
It stated that submissions opened on April 19, 2024, through the BIC Art Master Africa website.
It added that participants have three months to create their masterpieces before judging commences.
According to the firm, winners will be announced in the last quarter of the year, adding that entries would be judged based on creativity, originality, and technical skill in utilising the BIC ballpoint pen.
Commenting on the occasion, Art Master Africa custodian, and Marketing Director for Middle East and Africa at BIC, Gregory Alibaux, said: “We are pleased to kick off the highly anticipated competition, Art Master Africa.
“We continue to provide a platform for artists and creatives in the region to help them express themselves—all in line with our commitment to encourage self-expression and creativity.
“This year is special for the competition as it also marks the year where we elevated the program by launching an Art Master Africa metaverse gallery, crossing borders, and bringing African talent to the world.”
Art Master Africa was started in 2017 in South Africa, but the competition expanded into the wider Middle East and Africa regions, following the impact of the competition.
According to the firm, every year, BIC introduces a theme, that creatives are asked to depict using the BIC ballpoint pen.
It was noted that this year’s theme, Ubuntu, invited artists to express what unity and interconnectedness within Africa mean to them.
“To date, Art Master Africa has engaged with over 6,000 creatives from across the region,” it stated.
As of December 2022, the fine art market in Africa was valued at just over $1.8 billion, according to the 2023 Africa Wealth Report.
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