Emmanuel Chisenga Wins Absa L'Atelier Art Ambassador Award
The 40th anniversary competition honors four artists, marking a historic win for Zambia's creative community.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Fine Art
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Emmanuel Chisenga has been awarded the Absa L'Atelier Art Ambassador Award, securing Zambia's first-ever win since the competition's 2019 structural update. The winners were announced at the Absa L'Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair, which celebrated four decades of the program.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing impact of the Absa L'Atelier Art competition in fostering artistic talent across African markets. By platforming artists from 12 countries, the event serves as a critical bridge for creative professionals seeking international visibility.
The Absa L'Atelier competition saw 4 winners chosen from hundreds of entries submitted across 12 participating African markets. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, which was originally established in 1986.
The players
Emmanuel Chisenga
He is an artist from Zambia who secured the Ambassador Award in this year's competition.
Reginald Boateng
He is one of the artists who received an Ambassador Award at the event.
Segun Owolabi
He is a recipient of an Ambassador Award at the 40th anniversary celebration.
Treasure Mlima
He is the recipient of the Gerard Sekoto Award.
The details
An independent panel of judges evaluated hundreds of submissions to select this year's recipients. Emmanuel Chisenga emerged as the victor in his specific group, competing against artists from three other countries.
Timeline
1986: The Absa L'Atelier Art competition is established.
2019: The current group structure for the competition is introduced.
October 24, 2026: Winners are officially announced at the Absa L'Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair.
Industry Dynamics
The awards reflect a long-term shift toward a more inclusive, continent-wide scope following the 2019 structural change to the Absa L'Atelier Art competition. This evolution continues to broaden the reach of the 40th-anniversary program beyond its historical footprint.
The results provide audiences with new artists to follow within the international creative scene. Fans can track future exhibition opportunities for the four winners through the official competition channels.
The takeaway
The competition highlights how localized talent can achieve global recognition through structured international platforms. Aspiring artists should monitor regional entry requirements to maximize their chances in upcoming cycles.
Further reading
Explore more about the evolving landscape of creative recognition at Fine Art.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Zambia Monitor | Zambia Monitor.
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