Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO)

08/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Joe Leshoka 🎨

We’re pleased to introduce Joe Leshoka, a master of fine art lithography and printmaking, and a member of the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA) adjudication panel.

Born in Makotopong village near Polokwane, Limpopo, Joe graduated from the prestigious Tamarind Institute at the University of New Mexico in the USA, following his studies at the Johannesburg Art Foundation and years of industry experience at The Artists’ Press.

With more than 22 years of experience in fine art lithography and printmaking, Joe has worked alongside renowned South African and international artists.

In 2014, he founded LL Editions Fine Art Lithography Studio at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios in Johannesburg. Since its establishment, the studio has collaborated with more than 50 artists, producing multiple fine art editions.

Joe’s vision is to create productive and creative environments that fuel artistic experimentation while opening up opportunities for the next generation of artists.

We’re excited to have his extensive technical expertise, industry experience and commitment to developing artistic talent contributing to the 2026 VAMA adjudication panel.

08/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Pat Mautloa 🎨

We’re pleased to introduce Pat Mautloa, one of the pioneers of modernist painting in South Africa and a member of the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA) adjudication panel.

Mautloa’s practice is deeply rooted in his observations of everyday life, particularly the vibrant street life surrounding his downtown Johannesburg studio. Working across painting, drawing and printmaking, he often transforms discarded objects and materials from the city into sources of artistic inspiration.

His work is characterised by bold colour, incisive abstraction and fine draughtsmanship, capturing the energy and complexity of Johannesburg’s urban culture.

With a career spanning numerous solo and group exhibitions, Mautloa’s work is held in public and private collections. In 2019, he received the prestigious Helgaard Steyn Award for Painting, recognising sustained artistic achievement and innovative leadership.

We’re honoured to have Pat’s experience, artistic insight and deep understanding of South African visual culture contributing to the 2026 VAMA adjudication process.

08/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Maria Fidel Regueros 🎨

We’re pleased to introduce Maria Fidel Regueros, an independent curator, lecturer, researcher and project manager, and one of the adjudicators for the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA).

Maria has worked extensively across South Africa’s creative industries and visual arts sector, with experience spanning strategic development, research, project and organisational development, curatorial exhibitions, education and audience development.

Between 2011 and 2020, she founded and co-directed ROOM Space & Projects NPC in Johannesburg, an organisation focused on presenting the work of emerging South African and regional artists while supporting the development of arts administrators and curators.

Since late 2022, Maria has served as Director of Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Johannesburg, where she continues to champion the development of artists and the wider creative sector.

Her Colombian/Bulgarian heritage and long-standing connection to Southern Africa have shaped her commitment to South African and Global South perspectives within the arts.

An alumna of Wits University, the International Curators Intensive Network and De Appel’s Gallerist Programme, Maria is currently completing her MBA at Henley Business School Africa.

We’re delighted to have her experience, curatorial insight and commitment to artist development contributing to the 2026 VAMA adjudication panel.

07/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Odysseus Shirindza 🎨

We’re pleased to introduce Odysseus Shirindza, a contemporary art professional and Director of Gallery MOMO, a leading Johannesburg-based gallery dedicated to advancing Modern and Contemporary African art.

With extensive experience in gallery management, curatorial development, artist representation, exhibitions and international art fairs, Odysseus plays a strategic role in shaping gallery programmes and supporting artists from South Africa and across the continent.

His work spans artist development, collection advisory, institutional partnerships and curatorial projects, as well as presenting African artists to international audiences.

Bringing a broad understanding of contemporary artistic practice and the evolving art ecosystem, Odysseus offers a considered perspective on artistic merit, originality, conceptual depth, technical development and the potential of emerging talent.

We’re excited to have his expertise and insight contributing to the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA) adjudication panel.

07/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Malikah Meyer

We’re pleased to introduce Malikah Meyer, Curatorial Assistant and Conservator at the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) in Kimberley, and one of the adjudicators for the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA).

With academic qualifications in Humanities, Curatorship and Heritage Conservation, Malikah brings a strong multidisciplinary perspective to the VAMA selection process.

Her journey in the heritage, museum and visual arts sector began at the Iziko Museums of South Africa, where she spent six years gaining invaluable experience and mentorship from leading professionals in the field.

Driven by a deep passion for social history and the visual arts, Malikah is committed to preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage and ensuring it continues to have meaning for future generations.

We look forward to the perspective she brings to this year’s VAMA adjudication panel. 🎨

05/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Tshepo Bopape

Tshepo Bopape is a Johannesburg-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans drawing, painting, photography, performance and writing. His work explores spirituality, mythology, belief systems, dreams, cultural memory and the ways in which people create meaning and value.

As the inaugural winner of the DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA) in 2024, Bopape brings a particularly valuable perspective to the 2026 adjudication panel. His VAMA journey culminated in his first solo exhibition," Sea-Crits in the Water in 2025" followed by a William Humphreys Art Gallery Artist Residency in 2026 and his second solo exhibition, "Valued Materia".

Now returning to VAMA as an adjudicator, he brings both an artist’s perspective and first-hand experience of the award’s development journey to the selection process.

03/10/2026

Meet the Adjudicator: Lazarus Serobe

As Managing Director of DALRO, Lazarus Serobe brings extensive experience in copyright, intellectual property and advocating for the rights of creatives to the VAMA adjudication panel.

For Lazarus, VAMA is about more than recognising artistic talent - it’s about identifying artists with the potential to develop a distinctive, sustainable creative practice.

“I’m looking for a distinctive artistic voice, a clear sense of purpose and the potential to build a sustainable creative practice.”
— Lazarus Serobe, DALRO Managing Director & VAMA Adjudicator

With his understanding of the creative industries and the importance of protecting and creating opportunities for artists, Lazarus brings a valuable perspective to the VAMA selection process.

18/09/2026

🚨 **APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED**

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for the **2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award (VAMA)**.

Applications are now officially closed, and **no further applications will be accepted**.

We’re incredibly grateful to all the emerging South African visual artists who took the time to share their work, voices and creative practices with us.

The selection process now begins. To **all our applicants, we wish you the very best of luck!** 🎨✨

Watch this space for updates on the **Top 10 finalists**.

**YOUR PRACTICE. YOUR VOICE. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.**

17/09/2026

🎭 PREMIERE NIGHT IS SOLD OUT! 🎭

The excitement around Mr Duiker Sang the Blues is real — our official premiere night is officially SOLD OUT! 🙌🏾

But don’t miss your chance to experience this powerful production. From Dyondzo Kwinika’s award-winning short story to the stage, Mr Duiker Sang the Blues brings a compelling new chapter to the DALRO Can Themba Merit Award journey.

🎟️ Tickets are still available for other performances — book your seats now and be part of the story!

📍 The Market Theatre
📅 Performances run until 4 October 2026

The premiere may be sold out. Your night at the theatre doesn’t have to be.

16/09/2026

Our MD talking about the DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award!

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) has extended the application deadline for its 2026 Visual Arts Merit Award to Friday the 18th of September 2026. Targeted at unrepresented South African visual artists aged 18 to 35, the initiative...