• By Staff Reporter

To celebrate local talent and encourage the development of the arts in Namibia, Bank Windhoek and the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) launched the Bank Windhoek Triennial on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 in Windhoek. 

This sixth edition of the Triennial will embrace the theme ‘Namibian Identity: The Linework of a Country’s Contours and Wealth.’
According to the Bank, to award the best submitted artwork, the competition winner will receive N$50,000 paired with a solo exhibition at the NAGN. This, while the second prize winner will receive N$35,000, N$25,000 reserved for the third prize winner. 

The NAGN will further support the top three winners in developing their careers, while the competition, additionally features a category for emerging youth artists under the age of 35 who will join the existing NAGN emerging artists’ programme.
Speaking at the launch event, Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, Bronwyn Moody, said the Triennial is a celebration that brings together minds, hands, and hearts from across Namibia. 

“For Bank Windhoek, the Triennale is a mirror held up to society, reflecting our collective journey with endless possibilities. This platform is also where bold ideas take shape, tradition meets innovation, and the universal language of creativity speaks louder than ever,” she said.

Moody added that as a proud Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek has been the title sponsor of the National Art Gallery of Namibia’s largest exhibition and art competition since 2008, providing a pivotal stage to foster creativity and shape the future of Namibian art. NAGN Director, Michelle Van Wyk said the competition encourages bold ideas and perspectives and the courage to create without boundaries. 

“It is important for Namibians to stand together to visually translate our identity on international platforms. We must use these opportunities to tell the world who we are and who we are growing into.”

NAGN Chief Curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda emphasised the consistent participation of artists across all Namibian regions. She said the competition has made great strides in representing Namibian artists from various backgrounds.  “This year, we have partnered with art extension offices to ensure that artists in the regions have access to information about the competition and are supported to develop their work. These offices will also form part of our selection committee to ensure that submitted work meets the set standard,” she said.

Confidente has learned that application forms for the 2025 Triennial can be downloaded from the Bank Windhoek Website from Tuesday, 20 May 2025.