EMERGING PAINTING INVITATIONAL - E.P.I

Emerging Painting Invitational Prize (EPI) is an international art platform developed by the African Art Galleries Association (AAGA) to support and recognise excellence of emerging painters living and working on the continent and to create new opportunities for engagement with art and art centres in Africa for local and international collectors, art professionals and general audiences.

Each year a Nominating Committee made up by members of AAGA, guest regional experts and previous year's EPI finalists selects 15-20 of the most promising painters under 30 from across Africa. The finalists are invited to present 3 works for an exhibition and Juried prize as well as an opportunity to attend the launch of the finalist exhibition, engage with fellow artists and international art professionals in a host African city. The first edition of EPI took place in Harare (Zimbabwe) in 2019. Due to the global lockdowns and covid-19 travel restrictions, the second and third editions of EPI continued through an online programme of panel discussions, masterclasses and studio visits as well as an online auction in partnership with Strauss & Co.