Are you a Grade 12 learner (or were in Grade 12 in 2025) with a passion for creativity, design, art, photography, animation or visual storytelling?
This is your chance to showcase your talent and stand a chance to win a R100 000 scholarship towards your studies at Cape Town Creative Academy in 2027. A runner-up will also receive a R50 000 scholarship.
Whether you are already building a portfolio, experimenting with creative ideas, or working on your final Grade 12 artworks, this competition is an opportunity to share your creative voice and take the next step towards your future in the creative industries.
Enter today and show us what you can do.
how to enter
Entering the Instagram competition is simple. Follow these 4 steps:
Step 1: Register for the competition
Start by completing the official competition registration form.
Step 2: Follow CTCA on Instagram
Follow @capetowncreativeacademy on Instagram.
Step 3: Upload your artworks
Upload 5 images to your personal Instagram account using the carousel feature. You are welcome to submit your existing Grade 12 artworks. Your artworks can include:
Drawings
Illustrations
Paintings
Photography
Product design
Packaging design
Corporate identity design
2D, 3D or stop-motion animation projects
Videos and digital designs
Sculptural works
Ceramic or textile projects
When uploading, remember to:
tag @capetowncreativeacademy on each image
tag your school
tag 3 friends
Step 4: Add the correct caption and hashtag
in your caption, include:
#ctcayoungcreatives26
the number and title of each artwork.
Please note: variations and details of the same artwork do not count as separate artworks.
important instagram requirements
Your Instagram account must be set to public for the duration of the competition so that we can view your entry.
This competition is not sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Instagram.
your creative future starts here
The Young Creatives Competition is your opportunity to be seen, celebrated and supported. Showcase your creativity, share your work with Cape Town Creative Academy, and stand a chance to win a scholarship towards your studies in 2027. We look forward to seeing your artworks.
rules + terms and conditions
artworks must be uploaded by 2 August 2026 BEFORE 21:00. Artworks submitted after this deadline will not be accepted!
all artworks submitted must be the entrant’s own original work.
plagiarised, illegible, incomplete, defaced or corrupt entries will not be accepted.
in order to be considered for a scholarship, you have to enter 5 artworks (use Instagram carousel).
once your artworks have been submitted, you will not be able to modify them whatsoever.
the Cape Town Creative Academy has the right to report any artworks that condone hate speech and propaganda of violence against race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.
your artworks might be published on the Cape Town Creative Academy’s website and / or social media platforms, and might also be shown during specific exhibitions.
no royalties will be paid in the framework of this competition.
all entries are subject to a selection process. Works are judged individually based on concept, use of material, quality of craftsmanship and skill demonstrated. Scholarship prizes will be awarded to individuals that show exceptional artistic talent and creative potential.
the scholarship shortlist will be published on the Cape Town Creative Academy’s website on 10 August 2026.
the scholarship winners will be announced on the Cape Town Creative Academy’s website on 17 August 2026.
scholarships may not be exchanged for cash, are not transferable and are only valid for the year 2027.
it is at the sole discretion of the Cape Town Creative Academy to award study scholarship prizes.
the Cape Town Creative Academy’s decision on all matters pertaining to the competition is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
your Instagram account must be set to ‘public’ for the duration of the competition.
register now
2025 YOUNG CREATIVES COMPETITION — BURSARY WINNERS
Drumroll, please… We’re beyond excited to reveal the winners of our 2025 Young Creatives Competition! With so much incredible talent on display, our judges had a tough choice — but the results are in:
Winner of the R100,000 bursary: Lukhona Gowa – @defnotlukhona37
Runner-up, R50,000 bursary: Declan James – @intheboxartist
We can’t wait to welcome these incredible creatives to CTCA in 2026 and see their visions come to life.
The calibre of submissions this year was truly exceptional, and we were impressed by the creativity, skill, and thoughtfulness shown by every participant. With so many strong entries, the selection process was no easy task.
The shortlist for the 2025 Young Creatives Bursary at Cape Town Creative Academy:
Lukhona Gowa – @defnotlukhona37
Alice Lowe – @_perks_of_drawing_a_wallflower
Grace Beattie @gracesgalleri
Amy Cobb – @ames_in_focus
Kian Winterbach – @kianwinterbach
Jada Leigh Sullivan – @ruizgetrrr
Tayla Stein – @taylastein
Nicolas Smart – @justnowcomics
Kinjal Bhagattjee – @art_by_kinj
Declan James – @intheboxartist
Winners will be announced on Friday, 15 August. Good luck to all our shortlisted entrants!