Art of Origin Stellenbosch crowns the winners of the inaugural town-wide art competition
Visit Stellenbosch, in partnership with the Art Association Stellenbosch, has announced 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 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
Each submission was evaluated independently by a distinguished panel of five judges.
Following the awards, Annemie Liebenberg, CEO 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, chairperson 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 may 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 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.”
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), email the Stellenbosch Art Association: admin@stellenboschkuns.co.za.
