Art of Origin Stellenbosch Crowns Winners of Inaugural Town-Wide Art Competition
Press Release by Visit Stellenbosch, 19 June 2026
Visit Stellenbosch, in partnership with the Art Association Stellenbosch, is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Art of Origin Stellenbosch, a town-wide art competition and exhibition uniting multiple generations of emerging creatives.
A proud milestone for the region, this first-of-its-kind initiative comprised five thematic categories reflecting the essence of Stellenbosch as a destination. Following an overwhelming response of over 90 submissions across three age divisions (7-18, 19-65, and 66+), official winners were announced at the official awards ceremony on 19 June, with each receiving R10,000 in prize money:
Taste
Culinary culture, food artisans, markets, and local produce Amdanda Miti | Coffee Cafe Caffeine | Mixed Medium
Wine
Vineyards, harvest, cellars, heritage estates, and wine lifestyle Sheulyn Raine Hobbs | Sips of Stellenbosch | Mixed Medium
Stay
Hospitality, architecture, boutique hotels, and guesthouses Jared Christopher Delport | Stellenbosch Dutch | Oil Pastels
Experience
Festivals, cycling, hiking, university life, and the arts Judith A Hapgood | Crag and Bone | Acrylic
Community
The people of Stellenbosch, their diversity, heritage, and shared stories Beatrice de Villiers | Church Street | Mixed Medium
Considering the exceptionally high calibre of submissions, the judging panel introduced an additional award to recognise outstanding work:
Judges Award: Jade Lubbe | Kuluntu | Acrylic
Art of Origin Stellenbosch submissions closed on Monday, 25 May, with official judging completed on 3 June. Each submission was evaluated independently by a distinguished panel of five judges:
- Ashley Walters, Fine Arts Coordinator at Stellenbosch University's Visual Arts Department
- Andi Norton, Strategic Management Consultant (Art and Education); Founder of KickstART; Trustee of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust and Stellenbosch Art Mile
- Jett Jooste ("Theytjie"), Multidisciplinary Artist, Photographer, Filmmaker, Visual Artist and Photography Lecturer at Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
- Dr Mike Mavura, Visual Arts Curator, Cultural Strategist, Educator and Director of Pamurove Foundation
- Xenia van der Meulen, Destination Marketing Manager at Spier; Art Project and Exhibition Advocate
Following the awards, Annemie Liebenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Stellenbosch, highlighted the transformative power of the initiative on their community:
"Beyond the competition itself, Art of Origin has fostered curiosity and connection across the town, encouraging deeper dialogue between residents and visitors from different generations and backgrounds.”
Coert Venter, Chairman of the Art Association Stellenbosch, added:
“Art of Origin has achieved what we set out to do: to open the door to every generation and every corner of our community. The diversity and quality of submissions speak to the extraordinary creative heartbeat of this town. Art, at its core, invites us to slow down and look more carefully. To be present in a moment that might otherwise pass us by. This truth sits at the heart of Art of Origin, and at the heart of Stellenbosch itself."
Liebenberg urges the public to view the exhibition, comprising over 90 artworks, at the PJ Olivier Art Centre until 25 June. "Go experience it for yourself. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition that continues to elevate and celebrate Stellenbosch's artists," she concluded.
The winning artworks will feature in the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors Guide, sharing the essence of Stellenbosch with travellers across the globe and positioning the town as a destination brimming with unexpected firsts and unforgettable moments.
For those wishing to acquire any of the exhibited pieces (excluding the winning artworks), please contact the Stellenbosch Art Association at admin@stellenboschkuns.co.za.
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