Smiso Cele Honored with the 2025 Cassirer Welz Prize
Johannesburg – The Cassirer Welz Award for this year has been awarded to artist Smiso Cele.
“We are excited to share that the 2025 recipient of the Cassirer Welz Award is Smiso Cele. He will be granted a three-month artist residency at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, concluding with a solo exhibition,” announced Strauss & Co on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
For the past 15 years, the Cassirer Welz Award, supported by Strauss & Co, has served as an essential resource for emerging artists, providing them with a transformative residency experience at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios.
Originally established in 2011 by Nobel Prize laureate Nadine Gordimer, the award pays homage to her late husband Reinhold Cassirer, who had a deep appreciation for the arts.
This accolade has become one of South Africa’s most prestigious platforms for celebrating emerging artistic talent both locally and throughout the Sub-Saharan Region.
In memory of Stephan Welz, founder and Managing Director of Strauss & Co, the award was renamed the Cassirer Welz Award to honor both their lasting contributions to the cultural fabric of the nation.
After 15 years dedicated to nurturing creativity, both Bag Factory Artists’ Studios and Strauss & Co Education continue to support the next wave of contemporary African artists.
From numerous applications received for this year’s award, five artists were shortlisted for final selection.
The finalists include: Smiso Cele (South Africa), Fiona Davhana (South Africa), Ditiro Mashigo (South Africa), Swaline Mkhonto (South Africa), and Chidimma Nwafor (Nigeria).
In honor of the award’s lasting legacy, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios will host a group exhibition titled “Trajectories,” showcasing the artistic journeys of previous winners, set to open on 30 August 2025.
The 2025 Award is facilitated through the ongoing support from Strauss & Co, further bolstered by contributions from the French Institute of South Africa.
“Backing the 15th edition of the Cassirer Welz Award aligns seamlessly with our goal at the French Institute of South Africa to promote cultural exchange and nurture creative talent,” remarked Dorine Lebreton, cultural attaché and deputy director.
“This award embodies our dedication to offering emerging African artists a platform for mentorship, personal development, and meaningful engagement with the wider industry.”