Johannesburg – Artist Smiso Cele has won this year’s Cassirer Welz Award.
“We are delighted to announce the winner of the Cassirer Welz Award 2025 is Smiso Cele, who will be awarded a 3-month artist’s residency at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, culminating in a solo exhibition,” Strauss & Co announced on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
For 15 years, the Cassirer Welz Award, sponsored by Strauss & Co, has been a beacon of support for young career artists, providing them with a transformative residency experience at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios.
In 2011, Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer founded this prestigious award, inspired by her husband Reinhold Cassirer’s deep love for the arts.
The recognition has evolved into one of South Africa’s most respected platforms for celebrating emerging artistic talent both locally and from the Sub-Saharan Region.
When Stephan Welz (Founder member and Managing Director of Strauss & Co) passed away, the award was renamed the Cassirer Welz Award, paying tribute to both men’s significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape.
After 15 years of nurturing creative excellence, both Bag Factory Artists’ Studios and Strauss & Co Education remain steadfast in their dedication to champion the next generation of contemporary African artists.
From the numerous applications received for this year’s edition of the award, 5 artists were shortlisted for the final judging process.
These are: Smiso Cele (South Africa), Fiona Davhana (South Africa), Ditiro Mashigo (South Africa), Swaline Mkhonto (South Africa), and Chidimma Nwafor (Nigeria).
To further celebrate the longevity of the Award as well as Strauss & Co’s commitment, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios will host an exhibition celebrating the creative path of the winners to date with a group exhibition opening on 30 August 2025, titled Trajectories.
In 2025, the Award was made possible with the ongoing support of Strauss & Co and additionally funded by the French Institute of South Africa.
“For the French Institute of South Africa, supporting the 15th edition of the Cassirer Welz Award reflects our wider mission to nurture cultural exchange and creative talent,” said Dorine Lebreton, cultural attaché and deputy director.
“The award aligns with our own goal to provide emerging African artists with a platform for mentorship, growth, and meaningful engagement with the wider industry.”
