Now in its second year, the Tlhagella Incubation Programme continues to empower underrepresented artists in Gauteng through professional training, exhibition opportunities, and entrepreneurial development.
Following the success of its inaugural edition earlier this year, the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP), in partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), has announced the launch of the 2025/2026 Tlhagella Incubation Programme.
The initiative seeks to nurture and empower emerging artists from underrepresented backgrounds, equipping them with professional and entrepreneurial skills while providing meaningful opportunities for exposure and income generation.
Submissions are now open for emerging artists residing in Tshwane and the surrounding areas within Gauteng, with priority given to female artists. Participants will take part in a series of structured engagements designed to build capacity and strengthen artistic practice, culminating in an exhibition at Javett-UP.
Programme Overview
The 2025/2026 Tlhagella Incubation Programme will unfold across four key phases, each designed to develop both creative and professional competencies.
Phase 1: Professional Practice and Career Training Workshop
Fifty artists will be selected from a public call for applications to participate in a one-day workshop at Javett-UP on Friday, 28 November 2025.
Led by leading arts professionals, this session will cover essential topics such as portfolio development, marketing and publicity, legal and financial frameworks, and strategies for navigating the art ecosystem.
Phase 2: Portfolio Development
Artists who complete the workshop will be invited to submit art portfolios by Friday, 9 January 2026. Ten artists will then be selected to advance to an intensive phase, which includes mentorship, exhibition preparation, and networking events.
Phase 3: Exhibition and Networking
Based on the strength of their portfolios, the ten selected artists will participate in a curated exhibition at Javett-UP, opening on 18 April 2026 and running for three months. Before the opening, artists will take part in an exhibition workshop that includes training in art handling, administration, and curatorial practice.
The selected artists will receive logistical support, curatorial guidance, marketing materials, and a stipend to cover basic costs, ensuring a professional and well-supported exhibition experience.
Phase 4: Art Commissions and Sales
Following the exhibition, five participants will be commissioned to create artworks that will be adapted into limited-edition prints and merchandise available through the Javett-UP Shop and online platforms. This initiative provides artists with increased visibility and a profit-sharing opportunity, promoting sustainable creative careers.
Application Process
Artists can apply online via the Javett-UP website or by requesting a form from [email protected] (subject line: Javett-UP Incubation Application). Hard-copy forms are also available at the Javett-UP reception desk.
Completed forms may be submitted online, via email, or delivered in person to Javett Art Centre, 23 Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria.
The deadline for Phase 1 applications is Thursday, 6 November 2025, at 15:00.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be aged 18–35
- Be based in Tshwane or the surrounding areas within Gauteng
- Provide 2–5 examples of previous work
- Have participated in no more than two group exhibitions
Participation in the programme is free of charge, and transport, food, and beverages will be provided.
About the Tlhagella Incubation Programme
The Tlhagella Incubation Programme forms part of Javett-UP’s broader initiative EmpowerED: Art as a Catalyst for Education, Engagement, and Economic Empowerment, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The programme adopts a holistic approach to identifying and supporting emerging talent within the visual and digital arts, offering mentorship and pathways to professional sustainability.
Through this partnership, Javett-UP and CFLI aim to foster inclusivity, equality, and creative entrepreneurship. The initiative aligns with Canada’s global priorities, including gender equality, human rights, inclusive governance, climate action, and sustainable development.
“The Tlhagella Incubation Programme stands as a testament to what collaboration can achieve — a space where art becomes a bridge to empowerment, education, and lasting change,” says the Javett-UP team.
For more information or to apply, visit Javett-UP.
