The rewards just got bigger for young artists entering the country's largest annual art competition.

The sponsors, financial services group, Absa, have increased the cash prizes. The overall winner for 2002 will now pocket R70,000 (an increase of R10,000 from previous years) plus a six-month sojourn at the Cité des Arts, the renowned artist colony located in the heart of Paris. Each of the four runners-up will receive R15,000 (an increase of R5,000 per winner).

Absa's competition co-ordinator, Cecile Loedolff, invites young artists between the ages of 21 and 35 to start working on their entries for next year. "Dust off your brushes, mix your colours, prime your canvas, throw your clay - and get cracking on your winning work!" says Loedolff.

From January 2002, competition forms will be available at all Absa branches, Sanava (South African National Association for the Visual Arts) offices, universities and technikons nation-wide. Entries will be received at Sanava offices and selected venues around the country from March 4 to 8, 2002.

For further details, please contact Cecile Loedolff at on 011 350-5793 or email cecilel@absa.co.za.