The Goethe-Institut Subsahara Africa announces the fifth and final edition of the Henrike Grohs Art Award, continuing its legacy of honouring artistic excellence across the African continent.
The Goethe-Institut Subsahara Africa has announced the launch of the 5th and final edition of the Henrike Grohs Art Award, a biennial pan-African prize recognising exceptional contemporary art practices on the continent. Conceived in memory of Henrike Grohs, the late Head of the Goethe-Institut in Abidjan and an ardent advocate for African art, the award celebrates artists whose work fosters critical dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Since its inception in 2018, the award has become one of the most prominent and respected platforms for contemporary African art. Endowed with a main prize of €20,000 and an additional €10,000 towards the production of a publication on the winner’s work, the award supports professional artists and collectives working across disciplines. Two runners-up each receive €5,000, acknowledging the breadth and diversity of talent on the continent.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Reflecting on the forthcoming edition, Ben Bergner, Regional Head of Programmes at the Goethe-Institut Subsahara Africa, said:
“As we prepare for the 5th and final edition of the Henrike Grohs Art Award, we invite our artistic community, partners and practitioners to prepare their submissions. This award period, running from 2026 to 2027, seeks out talented and deserving professional artists working on the continent and will also reflect on the diverse and rich arts landscape in Africa. We encourage previous winners to apply, alongside new artists who have been building their portfolios in recent years.”
The award invites visual artists living and working on the African continent, from all disciplines and backgrounds, to apply. Eligible practices include painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, performance, and new media.
“As we prepare for the call to launch, we are asking artists to start reflecting on what defines their artistic practice and what has allowed their work to excel,” Bergner added. “We are also using this time to acknowledge the artists who have already been honoured for their excellence.”
Honouring Past Laureates
Over the past decade, the Henrike Grohs Art Award has recognised visionary artists who have expanded the horizons of African contemporary art. Past recipients include Kitso Lynn Lelliott (Botswana, 2024), Gladys Kalichini (Zambia, 2022), Jackie Karuti (Kenya, 2020), and Em’kal Eyongakpa (Cameroon, 2018).
Reflecting on her experience, 2022 winner Gladys Kalichini shared:
“I am very grateful to have received the Henrike Grohs Art Award. The award has helped in the development of my artistic career and has been quite helpful towards the research processes underlying my artistic practice.”
Through such recognition, the award has created a legacy of support and visibility for artists whose practices challenge, question, and reshape contemporary narratives within and beyond Africa.
How to Apply
Applications for the Henrike Grohs Art Award 2026 will be submitted via the Goethe Application Portal, with links available on the Henrike Grohs Art Award website and Instagram. All applicants must live and work on the African continent and accept the competition’s conditions, which can be downloaded from the website.
Submissions close on 13 November 2025.
