Bic, global manufacturer of stationery, lighters, shavers and a champion of creativity has opened submissions for the seventh Art Master Africa competition, offering artists a platform to turn creativity into opportunity.
With prizes of up to $2,000, mentorship and international exposure, the competition challenges creatives to interpret the theme: “Tomorrow in Your Hands”, using only the iconic BIC Cristal ballpoint pen. Submissions are open from April 21 to July 20, with winners to be announced later. In addition to cash, selected artists will access global visibility platforms, including the Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery, positioning their work before international audiences and collectors. The first-place winner’s piece will also be acquired by BIC Art Collection.
Gregory Alibaux, Marketing director for Middle East and Africa at BIC and Art Master Africa custodian, said: “In its seventh edition, Art Master Africa empowers 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 and nurturing talent. From using a simple pen to create beauty, creatives can get global visibility for their art, crossing borders and showing power of self-expression, using just a simple tool.”
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Since 2017, the competition has grown into one of the region’s most recognised creative platforms. In 2024, it attracted over 6,000 submissions from 2,500 artists in 52 nations, underscoring rising global appetite for African artistic talent.
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This is reflected in the journey of artists who emerged through the platform. Nigerian artist, Oscar Ukonu, a past participant, has built a career as a hyperrealism pencil artist, gaining recognition for his highly detailed portrait work and securing opportunities that have expanded his practice beyond Nigeria.
Returning as a judge for the second time, his involvement not only signals his personal growth but also reinforces the competition’s lasting impact in nurturing talent and building a community where artists evolve into industry shapers.
Rooted in BIC’s longstanding commitment to education, Art Master Africa extends the brand’s belief that learning thrives beyond traditional settings, using creativity and self-expression as tools for personal development and critical thinking. The competition sits alongside a growing ecosystem of initiatives that reflect this vision, including the Virtual BIC Art Collection Museum, which features over 250 works from artists worldwide, including Nigerians, and BIC Create, a global hub designed to connect and inspire creatives.
As the competition returns, artists are encouraged to submit original works that reflect personal stories, cultural identity, and bold visions of the future, reinforcing the idea that creativity is not only a means of expression, but a powerful tool for shaping economic and social impact.
