OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Plettenberg Bay Arts Association invites submissions for The White House Collection, a curated exhibition forming part of the Plett Arts Festival, taking place from 25 September to 4 October 2026 at The White House Theatre, Plettenberg Bay.
This exhibition will present a considered selection of contemporary artworks within a refined gallery setting, with a focus on strong, collectable work.
We welcome submissions from visual artists at all stages of their careers.
CURATORIAL PANEL
All submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel comprising:
- Barbara Lenhard, German-born and based in Cape Town, is an established art advisor and curator. She is one of the Directors of The Artists Gallery and 33BREE in Cape Town, where she curates exhibitions for both spaces as well as for The Travelling Art Gallery across Europe, expanding access to South African art.
- Elize Bezuidenhout, South African fine artist and art teacher, known for her work in oils and acrylics, particularly portrait and character studies. She has been a finalist and prizewinner in multiple national competitions, including the Thami Mnyele Awards, Vuleka Art Competition, Sanlam Portrait Awards and SASA, and is represented by Gallop Hill Galleries.
- Dallas Smith, whose work has been synonymous with the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna region for over 25 years, with a well-established international collector base.
The panel will consider impact, technical execution, originality and contribution to the exhibition as a whole.
KEY DATES
- Applications/bookings open: May 2026
- Applications close: 31 July 2026
- Panel review and confirmations: August 2026
- 50% deposit due: 15 August 2026
- Final balance due: 20 September 2026
- Artwork delivery: 23 September 2026 (09h00–11h00)
- Exhibition dates: 25 September – 4 October 2026
- Artwork collection: 4 October 2026 (16h00–18h00)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must include:
- Completed application form
- Artist biography
- Complete artwork list with Title of the Artwork, Artist Statement, Date of Creation, Dimensions, Medium, Painting Support, Framing, Asking Price (min. R3000 – max. R30.000)
- High-quality images of artworks (up to 15 images)
- Technical requirements (if applicable)
All submissions will be reviewed by the selection panel.
ADMINISTRATION FEE
Plettenberg Bay Arts Association Members
- No administration fee
- Booking still required
Non-Members
- R250 administration and booking fee
This includes one-year complimentary membership to the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association.
Bookings are only confirmed once payment (where applicable) has been received.GALLERY RENTAL FEES
Successful applicants will be required to pay exhibition rental fees.
These include:
Installation and de-installation support, Exhibition marketing & Sales administration.
A 50% deposit is required by 15 August 2026, with the balance due by 20 September 2026.
Artists are encouraged to secure funding where necessary.
EXHIBITION SPACE AND COSTS
The White House Theatre offers a range of exhibition options across the ground floor and mezzanine levels.
Artists are encouraged to review the available spaces and associated costs before submitting their application.
One panel size: height 2,5m x 1m width
Ground Floor
- Premium Art Booth: A (R2500), B (R2500), C (R2500)
- Art Booth: D, (R2250), E (R2250), F (R2250), G (R2250)
- Art Booth Back Panel: a (R2000), b (R2000), c (R2000), d (R2000), e (R2000), f (R2000), g (R2000)
- Wall Space: I (R2000), II (R2000), III (R2000), IV (R2000), V (R900), VI (R2600), VII (R2600), VIII (R2600), IX (R1500), X (R1500)
Mezzanine (activated once ground floor is full)
Wall Spaces
- Wall Space: XI (R460), XII (R360), XIII (R320), XIV (R320), XV (R250), XVI (R950), XVII (R660), XVIII (R420), XIX (R430), XX (R420), XXI (R430), XXII (R900), XXIII (R880)
Sculptures
IMPORTANT EXHIBITION CONDITIONS
Commitment to Submitted Work
Please note that the artworks submitted and accepted as part of your application are the works expected to be exhibited.
If a submitted artwork is sold prior to the exhibition, it must still form part of the exhibition and be displayed with a sold indicator.
This requirement helps maintain the integrity and curatorial cohesion of the exhibition.
Lighting (Optional Add-On)
Artists requiring dedicated lighting for their stand or booth may request this at:
R650 per light for the 10-day exhibition
(Including rental and installation)
Lighting requirements must be indicated in the application form.
LOGISTICS
- Transportation of artworks
- Insurance cover
- Installation
WHAT ARTISTS RECEIVE
Artists benefit from:
- Inclusion in a curated exhibition, selected by an experienced panel of industry professionals
- The opportunity to exhibit in a high-end, exclusive venue within a refined gallery setting
- Inclusion in the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association PR and marketing rollout, extending visibility beyond the local area
- Exposure to festival audiences, collectors and visitors
- Participation in the Plett Arts Festival programme, including the meander walk and opening events
- A professionally managed exhibition environment, including installation support and sales administration
- The opportunity to exhibit alongside a selected group of artists, contributing to a considered and cohesive exhibition
- Opportunity for visibility to collectors and buyers through a destination-led arts audience
- Access to a professionally lit exhibition environment (where selected)
ENQUIRIES
For assistance, please contact:
[email protected]
We look forward to receiving your application and presenting a strong, diverse exhibition as part of this year’s Plett Arts Festival.
Join the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association
Become part of a vibrant creative community connecting artists, makers and art lovers in Plettenberg Bay and beyond. Membership offers opportunities to exhibit, learn, connect and contribute to a growing arts movement in our region.
Complete our online membership form below, or download the printable PDF application form if you prefer to submit manually.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
