This call for entries is open to artists resident in South Africa.

Artists are called to interpret “MODERN MINIATURES”.

Background:

Miniature Art is a unique art form, based on a minute scale, and traces its roots back to the book paintings and illuminated manuscripts of the 7th century. Man’s fascination with creating in small scale has been evident in many of the world’s civilizations. Ancient Greeks adorned their walls with small murals while coins and rings bore engraved portraits. In the Middle-Ages, monks often embellished manuscript pages with delicate illuminations and bordered them with a red lead pigment called minimum from which miniature later evolved. Elizabethan England was noted for its miniature portraits on vellum and later ivory, which served much as small photographs do today.

Modern Miniatures:

Miniature Art today embraces a wide spectrum of subject matter, media and techniques. With minimal space requirements and favourable cost comparisons, original fine art is placed within the reach of both art lovers and collectors.

Condition of Entry:

1. Artists may submit a maximum of 3 works.
2. Work may not exceed the maximum size of 30x30cm. Work can be smaller than the maximum size.
3. All media will be accepted as long as the max 30x30cm rule is adhered. Two dimensional work must be suitably framed and “ready to hang” with all hanging devices attached. Work that needs to be installed need clear installations instruction. No work will be suspended from the ceiling at the National Arts Festival venue (Trinity Hall)
4. Artists are encouraged to work in their own genre; however this is not a prerequisite.
5. All work must be for sale. A 30% administrative levy will be taken off your listed selling price of the work.
6. A non-refundable entry fee of R100 per work is payable. The entry fee will be used to defray expenses: transportation, advertising, National Arts Festival registration fees and venue hire in Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. This is payable cash on delivery of work or an eft (Name: BA Moolman, Nedbank, Cheque account 121502 5742 branch 1215 17 please use your name as reference to eft payment)
7. Work must reach Art on Target (2 Target Kloof, Walmer, Port Elizabeth) by 16:00 on Friday 19 May 2026 – late entries will not be entertained. Costs of delivery are for the artist. If you are posting the work kindly ensure delivery of the work meets the deadline. Work not selected for the exhibition, and unsold work must be collected from Art on Target (2 Target Kloof, Walmer, 2026) by Saturday 12 August by 16.00. Work posted/couriered to Art on Target by the artist, will be returned to the artist at the expense of Art on Target. Work not collected by Saturday 12 August, will be disposed of at the discretion of the organisers.
8. Utmost care will be taken in handling the work, however the organisers and appointed administrators will not be held liable for any work damaged, howsoever caused. Artists are encouraged to insure their own work if they deem it necessary.
9. Please see attached entry form which must be completed, signed and accompany your entries.
10. The organisers, and the appointed administrators, have the right to reject work that does not meet the above criteria. This is a selected exhibition, decision on selected work for the exhibitions is final and no discussion will be entered into.

Download an entry form here.