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BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, has announced the kick-off of its flagship art competition. In its sixth edition, Art Master Africa calls on
creatives across the region to depict their interpretation of Ubuntu (or One Africa), this year’s
competition’s theme, using the iconic BIC ballpoint pen.
Submissions will be accepted effective the 19th of April 2024 through the BIC Art Master Africa
website. Participants will have three months to complete their artwork before judging takes place,
followed by the winner announcements in the last quarter of the year. Entries will be judged based
on creativity, originality, and technical skills.
First, second, and third place winners will be rewarded by BIC – $2,000, $1,000, and $500
respectively. A total of nine winners from across the region will also be announced and awarded.
Artwork of selected participants will be included in various art platforms owned by BIC, including
the most recently launched Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery.
Commenting on the occasion, Gregory Alibaux, Art Master Africa custodian, and Marketing
Director for Middle East and Africa at BIC, said: “We are pleased to kick-off the highly anticipated
competition, Art Master Africa. We continue to provide a platform for artists and creatives in the
region to help them express themselves – all in line with our commitment to encourage self-
expression and creativity. This year is special for the competition as it also marks the year where
we elevated the program by launching an Art Master Africa metaverse gallery, crossing borders
and bringing African talent to the world.”
Art Master Africa was incepted in 2017 in South Africa. After becoming highly anticipated within
the art community, the competition expanded into the wider Middle East and Africa regions. Every
year, a theme is introduced by BIC, that creatives are asked to depict using the BIC ballpoint pen.
This year’s theme, Ubuntu, invites artists to express what unity and interconnectedness within
Africa means to them. To date, Art Master Africa has engaged with over 6,000 creatives from
across the region.
