The highly competitive art exhibition, which is open to all artists with Namibian citizenship, domicile, or permanent residence, joins the list of other significant events postponed due to COVID-19. “The pandemic has severely affected the visual arts industry. Thus, prompting the decision to allow visual artists more time to work on their submissions for the Bank Windhoek Triennial, to ensure they submit quality artwork," said Bank Windhoek’s Head of Corporate Social Investments, Sponsorship, and Events, Bronwyn Moody.
Staged every three years, the Bank Windhoek Triennial showcases the quality and diversity of artwork produced by Namibian artists. The first Bank Windhoek Triennial took place in 2008, with three more since then in 2011, 2014 and 2017, bringing it to its fifth edition scheduled to take place in April next year.
“Despite this setback, we are looking forward to innovative works of art, and therefore encourage all artists who meet the qualifying criteria to enter the competition. This opportunity not only allows artists to win prizes but also acts as an important platform for networking and adds to the artist's profile. We are confident that artists will transform their COVID-19 experience into captivating masterpieces come next year,” said NAGN’s Chief Executive Officer, Snobia Kaputu.
Kaputu added that all updated marketing material for the Bank Windhoek Triennial would be made available in due course. "In the meantime, we encourage all our potential participants to continue with their creative practice, adhere to social distancing measures and regulations as set out by the Namibian Government," she said. “We encourage all artists to consult with us regarding challenges that they might experience producing artwork during this challenging time.”
Sponsored by Bank Windhoek and organised by the NAGN, the Triennial aims to celebrate visual art in Namibia, while providing a continued platform for the development and promotion of the Namibian visual art industry. The exhibition that results from this competition also provides an opportunity to engage in dialogue around socio-cultural and economic diversity within the Namibian society.
