The Africa First Collection is thrilled to be sponsoring the first Emerging Painting Invitational Prize (EPI) 2019. This prize is an international art platform developed by the Emerging African Art Galleries Association (EAAGA) to support and recognize excellence of emerging painters living and working on the continent and to create new opportunities for engagement with art and art centres in Africa for local and international collectors, art professionals and general audiences.
We would like to congratulate the EPI 2019 1st Place Prize Winner Nelly Guambe (Mozambique), Weekend in Kigali Prize winner Amanda Mushate (Zimbabwe), and honorable mention for Pebofatso Mokoena (South Africa). Guambe and Mokoena have joined the Africa First Collection along with finalist Sarah Grace (South Africa).
Each year, EPI will be hosted by a different EAAGA member gallery, giving an opportunity to promote a new African city as an art and culture destination. The inaugural EPI launched in Harare, Zimbabwe 26-28th of July 2019 with an exhibition of finalists and attended by the artists. The launch was supported by a 3-day programme of events including a symposium, studio visits, master classes and visits to art and culture venues across Harare as well as entertainment.
Africa First Collection is also proud to have Africa First Residecy Alumni Robel Temesgen as one of the Nominators.