In partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), Absa officially opened applications for the 2021 Absa L’Atelier art competition, inviting young artists from across the continent to enter. Since its inception 35 years ago, the Absa L’Atelier has showcased and continues to invest in some of the finest young artists from the 12 African countries where Absa has a presence. To celebrate this milestone, join Samm Marshall as he speaks to Absa Art and Museum Curator Dr Paul Bayliss, who manages the Absa’s art collection of around 18 000 artworks. He is also joined by Professor Runette Kruger, the head of the Department of Fine and Studio Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Phoka Nyokong, winner of the esteemed Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, which recognises the most promising emerging South African artist.