The 2025/2026 Bank Windhoek Triennial has closed its nationwide submission process and has moved into the judging phase ahead of the exhibition unveiling in August 2026. Organised by the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) in partnership with Bank Windhoek, the competition remains one of Namibia's leading platforms for visual artists. NAGN Chief Curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda said the response to this year’s competition has been strong, particularly following a six-year hiatus. More than 200 submissions have already been received, with the total expected to increase once artwork collection across the country is complete.
“Our activation initiatives helped motivate and support artists across the country, regardless of discipline or experience level, throughout the preparation process,” said Shivute-Nakapunda. “This next phase focuses on judging the submissions to ensure they meet professional and curatorial standards, followed by the exhibition launch.”
As the competition enters the adjudication stage, Raphael Chikukwa has been appointed Head Judge, joined by International Judge Lungiswa Gqunta and local judges Dr Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja, artist Tuli Mekondjo, and Emeritus Professor André du Pisani.
Bank Windhoek’s Head of Strategic Communication and Social Impact, Bronwyn Moody, said the Bank remains committed to supporting platforms that elevate local artists, strengthen creative expression, and preserve Namibia’s cultural heritage. She added that as a title sponsor of the competition since 2008, Bank Windhoek continues to back the development of Namibian visual arts and to work with NAGN on curatorial planning, artist engagement, and public participation. “As a proudly Namibian bank, we see the Triennial as a platform where identity, dialogue, and innovation meet,” said Moody. “It gives artists space to tell Namibia’s story through diverse visual narratives, and we remain committed to supporting artistic growth.”
Bank Windhoek also acknowledged NAGN’s role in maintaining the Triennial’s credibility, inclusivity, and artist-centred focus. “Through its curatorial leadership and development
support, the Gallery continues to position the competition as both a major exhibition and a meaningful opportunity for artists across generations,” she said.
The 2025/2026 competition is centred on the theme "Namibian Identity: The Linework of a Country's Contours and Wealth" and includes disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and new media. The sixth edition follows a nationwide outreach campaign to broaden participation nationwide.
The Bank Windhoek Triennial is a flagship national initiative that promotes artistic excellence and innovation in Namibia. The National Art Gallery of Namibia is the country’s leading visual arts institution, with a mandate to collect, preserve, research, and promote Namibian art through exhibitions, education programmes, competitions, and partnerships.
For more information about the competition, visit the National Art Gallery of Namibia's official website. The NAGN's official channels will further announce the judging outcomes and the exhibition launch.
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