American Express has launched an exciting initiative for graphic artists, illustrators and designers in South Africa, run and organised by Nedbank, the authorized card issuer and merchant acquirer of American Express in South Africa. “The Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge” aims to create artwork that will be featured in new marketing materials for American Express-accepting merchants in South Africa.
To enter, graphic artists are required to create an original illustration, graphic or artwork that creatively responds to or illustrates the artist’s interpretation of the theme “The vibrant African marketplace – everyone is welcome”.
The five winning artworks will be used on signage and marketing materials for South African merchants to show that, in addition to American Express Cards being accepted at their store, all customers are accepted and warmly welcomed.
Signage has always been an important tool for American Express; the familiar blue and white square logo on merchant’s doors or website that signals American Express Cards are warmly welcomed. In partnership with Nedbank, American Express is delighted to launch this initiative, helping to support messages of inclusivity and equity with customers and communities in South Africa alongside American Express merchants
– James Wainaina, Business Development Vice President (Sub-Saharan Africa), American Express.
A total prize fund of R500 000 will be split amongst five winners (each winner will receive R100 000), distributed by Nedbank. The top artworks will also be featured in an exhibition at Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg, in March 2023.
The winning works will be chosen by an illustrious panel of curators, gallerists, cultural producers, photographers, fashion designers and publication editors. Entries will be judged on originality, composition, response to selected theme and overall impact.
To enter, graphic artists are required to register their interest at www.graphicarts.africa. Once registered, they will be guided step-by-step through the entry process. The challenge is open to graphic artists, illustrators and designers currently residing in South Africa. The competition runs until January 31, 2023.
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About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
American Express in Africa
American Express products have been in Africa for 60 years and its presence in the region continues to expand. American Express consumer Cards and corporate Cards/solutions are issued in more than 40 countries across the region through its joint venture American Express Middle East (AEME), partnerships with local banks, and direct issuance of Global Dollar Cards. Through its bank partners and AEME, American Express is committed to expanding the number of places where local Cardmembers, international travelers, and local and international businesses can use their American Express Cards for daily spending, business, or tourism in the region.
Nedbank is the authorized issuer of American Express Cards in South Africa, learn more at www.americanexpress.co.za.
Nedbank Group
Nedbank Group is one of the largest financial services groups in Africa, offering wholesale and retail banking, as well as insurance, asset management and wealth management services and solutions. In SA, Nedbank has a strong franchise evidenced by a 19% deposit and 19% advances market share. Outside SA we operate in five countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through subsidiaries and banks in Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, eSwatini and Zimbabwe. In Central and West Africa we have a strategic alliance with Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) and we have representative offices in Angola and Kenya. Outside Africa we have a presence in key global financial centres to provide international financial services for Africa-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey and London, and we have a representative office in Dubai. We have 28000 employees, 7,6million clients and manage R1,2 trillion worth of assets.
American Express® Cards is operated under licence in South Africa by Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Licensed financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16). This competition is being organised and run solely by Nedbank and not American Express.
For more information, visit www.graphicarts.africa or American Express South Africa at www.americanexpress.co.za or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressSA.
