BIC has opened submissions for the seventh edition of its Art Master Africa competition, offering a $2,000 grand prize and global exposure to creatives across the continent.
According to a statement, the competition, which targets emerging African artists, will run from 21 April to 20 July 2026, with participants required to create artworks using only the BIC Cristal ballpoint pen.
BIC stated that the initiative aligns with its broader commitment to education and creative development. It added that the competition provides a platform for artists to gain recognition beyond their local environments.
The firm stated that this year’s theme, ‘Tomorrow in Your Hands’, challenges artists to interpret the future through personal and cultural lenses while competing for cash rewards, mentorship, and international visibility.
The Marketing Director, Middle East and Africa at BIC, Gregory Alibaux, said the initiative remained focused on empowering young talents and amplifying their voices globally.
He said, “In its seventh edition, Art Master Africa continues to empower young artists and encourage them to express themselves through creativity. There is magic in using a simple, everyday tool to create a beautiful work of art.
We are committed to providing this platform for youth in the region and nurturing talent. From using a simple pen to create beauty, creatives can receive global visibility for their art, crossing borders and showing the power of self-expression using just a simple tool.”
BIC added that winners would gain access to international platforms, including the Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery, while the first-place artwork would be acquired for the BIC Art Collection.
The company noted that since its launch in 2017, the biennial competition has grown significantly, attracting over 6,000 submissions from 2,500 artists across 52 countries in its 2024 edition.
It added that Nigerian artist Oscar Ukonu, a past participant, had gone on to build a notable career in hyperrealism and would return as a judge for the second time, highlighting the competition’s role in nurturing talent.
The company encouraged interested participants to submit original pieces showcasing personal narratives, cultural identity, and future ambitions via the Art Master Africa website.
Arinze Nwafor is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s economy, industry, data, metro, and judiciary. He focuses on highlighting growth, policy, and market challenges shaping Africa’s largest economy. Arinze’s reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, informative, and audience-focused journalism.