With just 98 days remaining until Botswana marks 60 years of independence, a renewed spotlight is falling on the country’s creative sector. Nando’s Botswana General Manager, Mr. Challenge Nhamoyebonde, has introduced a major cultural push aimed at energising visual artists across the country. The 2026 Nando’s Art Initiative has officially opened for submissions in partnership with the Thapong Visual Arts Centre and Spier Arts Trust. The programme arrives at a symbolic moment as Botswana prepares to reflect on its national identity, cultural evolution and artistic expression. It also signals a strong commitment from private sector partners to invest in long-term creative development. The initiative positions art as a central part of how Botswana’s story will be told during this milestone year.
The initiative builds on the success of the 2023 edition, which played a significant role in advancing the careers of 120 local artists. Many of those participants gained exposure, professional development and new opportunities in the broader creative economy. The 2026 theme, Celebrating Botswana’s culture and heritage, challenges artists to explore a deeply reflective question: “What does Botswana Art 60 look like to you?” This theme encourages participants to interpret national identity through personal vision, lived experience and cultural memory. It also invites a forward-looking perspective that connects the past, present and future of Botswana’s artistic identity. Organisers expect the theme to inspire diverse interpretations across painting, sculpture, mixed media and other visual forms.
The competition offers substantial incentives designed to reward excellence and support artistic growth. The first prize winner will receive P30,000 in cash, followed by P20,000 for second place and P10,000 for third place. Beyond the cash awards, winners will benefit from a two-week art residency at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre. They will also participate in virtual critique sessions with the Spier Arts Trust Chief Curator, giving them access to professional feedback and industry insight. These opportunities aim to strengthen technical skills and expand exposure beyond local markets. The top three artworks will also be exhibited at selected Nando’s venues for 21 days, providing public visibility and engagement with wider audiences.
Further opportunities extend beyond the top three winners. Ten finalists will be selected to participate in an exclusive corporate art workshop, where they will gain insight into the commercial side of the art world. Some of their works may also be considered for acquisition by the Spier Arts Trust, creating potential pathways for long-term professional recognition. This structure ensures that multiple artists benefit from the programme, not only the final winners. It also reinforces the initiative’s goal of building a sustainable creative ecosystem rather than a one-off competition. By linking artists to curators, institutions and corporate platforms, the programme strengthens the bridge between talent and opportunity.
Alongside the main competition, Nando’s has launched a Junior Secondary School initiative under the theme “Botswana at 60. Our story, our future.” Nando’s Finance Director, Ms. Dhana Ramasamy, emphasised that Botswana’s national story should be told by artists who live and understand its cultural landscape. The school programme is designed to identify and nurture grassroots talent at an early stage. Winning students will receive mentorship from main competition artists, cash prizes and premium art supplies to support their creative development. The winning artwork will also be featured as a limited-edition Nandino’s meal colouring sheet, introducing young creatives to a broader audience. In addition, the winning student’s school will receive art supplies and an artist-led workshop to strengthen arts education in classrooms.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role of art in national storytelling and youth development. It also highlights the importance of early exposure to creative opportunities in shaping future careers. Schools involved in the programme will benefit from both resources and professional engagement that can uplift visual arts education. This dual approach, targeting both emerging professionals and students, creates a pipeline of creative talent. It ensures that artistic expression is not limited to established practitioners but expanded to younger generations who will define the future cultural landscape. The programme therefore operates as both a competition and a long-term investment in national creativity.
As submissions open, artists across Botswana are encouraged to respond boldly to the theme and present original work that reflects their interpretation of the nation’s 60-year journey. Entry requires careful attention to the guidelines provided by Thapong Visual Arts Centre and Spier Arts Trust, with submissions accepted directly through their platforms. The initiative invites participants to think critically about heritage, identity and artistic possibility while competing for meaningful recognition and support. It also positions Botswana’s creative industry as a key player in national celebrations and cultural preservation. With strong institutional backing and clear development pathways, the 2026 Nando’s Art Initiative stands as a significant platform for artistic growth and visibility.
