BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, has officially launched the seventh edition of its flagship creative initiative, Art Master Africa, calling on young artists across the region to express their vision of the future through art.
The competition, which was announced in Nairobi on 23rd April 2026, challenges creatives to interpret the theme “Tomorrow in Your Hands” using the iconic BIC Cristal ballpoint pen. The initiative aims to empower youth to imagine and shape the future through visual storytelling.
Three-Month Submission Window Open
Artists will have until 20th July 2026 to submit their entries via the official BIC Art Master Africa website. Participants will be given a three-month creative window to complete their artwork before judging begins.
Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. Winners are expected to be announced in the last quarter of 2026.
Cash Prizes and Global Exposure for Winners
The competition offers attractive cash rewards for top performers. The first-place winner will receive $2,000, followed by $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place.
In addition to the top three, BIC will recognise nine outstanding artists from across the region. Selected artworks will be showcased across BIC’s digital and creative platforms, including the Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery.
The overall winner will also earn a global spotlight through the Virtual BIC Art Collection Museum, where their work will be exhibited alongside international artists.
BIC Highlights Commitment to Youth Creativity
Speaking during the launch, Gregory Alibaux, Marketing Director for Africa and the Middle East at BIC and Art Master Custodian, emphasised the company’s continued investment in young creative talent.
“In its seventh edition, Art Master Africa continues to empower young artists and encourage them to express themselves through creativity,” he said. “There is magic in using a simple everyday tool to create a beautiful work of art.”
He added that the initiative offers young creatives a platform to gain international visibility and showcase their talent beyond borders.
Growing Regional and Global Reach
Since its inception in 2017 in South Africa, Art Master Africa has grown into one of the continent’s most anticipated art competitions. It later expanded across Africa and the Middle East, attracting thousands of entries annually.
In the 2024 edition, the competition received approximately 6,000 submissions from about 2,500 artists spanning more than 52 countries, reflecting its growing international appeal.
Promoting Creativity Through Education and Innovation
BIC says the initiative is part of its broader commitment to creativity and education. The competition seeks to take learning beyond traditional classroom settings into more experiential and artistic spaces.
Globally, BIC continues to support creative expression through platforms such as the Virtual BIC Art Collection Museum and BIC Create, which connects artists worldwide to celebrate imagination and innovation.
As the seventh edition gets underway, Art Master Africa continues to position itself as a key platform for discovering and nurturing the next generation of African artistic talent.