Let’s Celebrate a Truly Special Place
Did you know that if you live or go to school anywhere in the Hessequa municipal district, you are in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? More specifically, you are part of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) – a place of global ecological importance, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
To honour and celebrate our region’s unique natural and indigenous heritage, we’re calling on all teenagers aged 13 to 19 in Hessequa to showcase their talent and creativity in GCBR’s Inheems 2025 Teen Art Competition!
How to Enter
There’s R29,000 in cash prizes to be won, and your artwork could even be featured on GCBR’s range of apparel! This is your chance to create something that reflects the indigenous richness of our region, while having fun, learning, and expressing yourself.
Here’s how to take part:
- Create a painting or drawing (any medium is welcome) inspired by our indigenous wonders and linked to one or more of this year’s categories.
- Get an entry form from your local Hessequa Library or download it here: [Entry Form]
- Submit your artwork and entry form at your local Hessequa Library by 11 August 2025. You may submit up to three entries.
What Are the Categories?
Your artwork will be judged by an independent panel of experts, based on the following themes:
Our Flora
Celebrate the indigenous plants of our region – from towering trees to colourful wildflowers, hardy succulents, grasses and mosses. Think fynbos, forest species, and veld plants that bring life and colour to our landscape.
Our Fauna
Portray the incredible animals that live in our region including, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and marine life. Whether big or small, these creatures share our world and play a vital role in our ecosystems.
Our Landscapes & Seascapes
Capture the natural beauty of our surroundings – from the Langeberg Mountains, rolling fynbos covered hills, and the Goukou River to crashing waves, pristine beaches and tidal pools. This is your chance to depict your appreciation of the natural world around you.
Our People
Our region is home to many cultures and deep histories, from the wisdom of the Khoi and San to the traditions of farming and fishing families. You are invited to honour and celebrate our indigenous people from our past and present.
Our Future
Imagine what lies ahead. You might show a hopeful future where people and nature thrive together – clean rivers, safe wildlife, and strong, sustainable communities. Or perhaps you’ll create a warning of what could happen if we ignore the impacts of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
What Can Be Won?
Each category offers the following cash prizes:
1st Place: R1,000
2nd Place: R700
3rd Place: R500
In addition:
10 Merit Awards of R300 each will be awarded.
Three standout teen artists will be selected to have their artwork featured on GCBR apparel – and will each receive a R5,000 cash prize!
Inheems Art Festival
All entries that reflect the spirit of Inheems and celebrate our region’s natural and cultural heritage will be exhibited at a two-day Art Exhibition at the Riversdale Civic Centre, on 5 and 6 September 2025.
Get Inspired
Take a look at last year’s amazing entries and see the creativity that emerged across our region:
Unleash your creativity, celebrate where you come from and be part of something extraordinary.
Let your art tell the story of our home and our future.