Entries are now open for the third Innibos National Premier Craft Awards.

The organisers remain committed to showcasing the excellence in skill of South Africa’s crafters, and in levelling the playing field for entrants by making the entry process as simple as possible.

While there are no entry fees, the overall winner will walk away with R50 000, the first runner-up with R20 000 and the second runner-up with R15 000. In addition, there will be merit awards for the Best Emerging Craftsmen, along with sound financial advice to grow their business.

The competition is held under the auspices of the Innibos National Arts Festival and is organised by Art Aid Africa’s John Anthony Boerma and Jan Bhuda.

The inaugural competition in 2017 attracted almost 800 entries and last year, over 1 000 crafters entered. “This fabulous response reflects the need that existed for a national platform such as the Innibos National Premier Craft Awards,” says John Anthony.

After their years in the industry, as curators and trainers, both John Anthony and Jan expected some amazing entries, but they have been blown away by the diversity of mediums, the creativity of the entries and the technical expertise shown by previous winners and entrants.

All artists in the craft sector are invited to submit entries in the following disciplines: ceramics, beadwork, wirework, wood, jewellery, paper, fabric painting and printing, quilting, leatherwork, pewter, glasswork, embroidery and mixed media.

Sixty entries will be shortlisted and put forward for final judging. The adjudication panel will be announced next year, but as always, the organisers are committed to ensuring that the judges are experts in their field who will uphold the integrity of the competition.

The winners will be announced at an awards evening on Sunday, June 23, at which all 60 shortlisted entries will be displayed. This exhibition will remain open to members of the public for the duration of the annual Innibos National Arts Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to Nelspruit each year.

Sandra Jacobs, one of the founders of Innibos, says that the craft competition found a natural home with Innibos, which is committed to celebrating not only the performing arts, but the visual arts too. “Craft depicts the soul of a nation,” she said at last year’s prize-giving.

Entering is easy!

Crafters have until April 12, 2019, to enter. They need simply take a photo of their entry – next to a matchbox for size of scale, and either email it to crafts@innibos.co.za or send it to 071 621 3597 via MMS or WhatsApp. There is no entry fee.

Remember to include your name, the town in which you live and your contact details.

Entrants who have not heard from the organisers within 30 days of the closing date must take it as given that they did not make the shortlist for final judging.

The finalists must be available to attend the awards evening on June 23.

For information, please WhatsApp Jan Bhuda on 071 621 3597 or email John Anthony Boerma at artaid@lantic.net.