The Visual Art Internship opportunity is open to skilled and qualified young South Africans. The programme targets applicants aged 18 to 35 with Visual Arts qualifications.
- What Is the SBM Visual Art Internship?
- Who Can Apply for the Internship?
- Visual Arts Qualifications Required
- Visual Art Disciplines Covered
- Why a Portfolio Matters
- Documents Required for the Application
- How to Apply for the SBM Internship
- What Graduates Can Gain
- Skills Applicants Should Highlight
- How to Prepare Your Application
- Important Details About the Opportunity
- Frequently Asked Questions
According to the recruitment poster, applicants must have an NQF Level 6 or higher qualification. They must also submit a portfolio showing their creative work.
The opportunity covers several visual arts disciplines. These include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and digital art.
The opportunity is a collaboration involving SBM, Art Bank of South Africa and the National Museum. Art Bank South Africa operates under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It is hosted by the National Museum in Bloemfontein.
What Is the SBM Visual Art Internship?
The SBM Visual Art Internship provides an opportunity for qualified visual arts graduates. Successful applicants can gain practical exposure within the visual arts sector.
The programme focuses on candidates with formal Visual Arts training. Applicants must also demonstrate their abilities through a portfolio.
Internships can help graduates apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. Previous Art Bank programmes have supported placements across the arts sector.
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Who Can Apply for the Internship?
The opportunity has specific age and qualification requirements.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Hold an NQF Level 6 or higher qualification in Visual Arts.
- Have a portfolio of their creative work.
- Demonstrate skills in at least one listed visual arts discipline.
- Submit the required application documents.
The recruitment poster specifically refers to graduates with NQF 6 and above qualifications.
Visual Arts Qualifications Required
Applicants need a relevant qualification in Visual Arts. The poster specifies an NQF Level 6 or higher qualification.
This requirement may cover diploma and degree-level qualifications. Applicants should ensure their qualification meets the stated NQF requirement.
The Art Bank has previously recruited graduates with diploma or degree qualifications. Those programmes focused on practical development within the visual arts sector.
Visual Art Disciplines Covered
The SBM opportunity welcomes applicants across several creative disciplines.
These include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Textiles
- Photography
- Digital art
Applicants should highlight their strongest discipline in their portfolio. They can also showcase work across multiple disciplines.
Why a Portfolio Matters
A portfolio gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their practical abilities.
The recruitment poster specifically asks candidates to submit a portfolio. Therefore, applicants should select work that represents their skills clearly.
A strong portfolio can include different types of completed work. Candidates should also organise their work in a clear and professional format.
Applicants can consider including:
- Finished artworks.
- Photography of physical artworks.
- Digital artwork.
- Sketches and development work.
- Different techniques and mediums.
- Brief descriptions of selected pieces.
The portfolio should remain relevant to the Visual Arts qualification and internship.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants must prepare the documents requested by the programme.
The poster instructs candidates to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Qualifications
- Portfolio
Applicants should check every document before sending their application.
The qualification documents should clearly show their relevant Visual Arts studies. The CV should also include current contact details.
How to Apply for the SBM Internship
Applicants must apply by email using the address provided on the recruitment poster.
Send your application documents to:
The application should include the required documents in an accessible format. Applicants should also use a professional email address where possible.
Before sending the application, check that all files open correctly. It is also useful to name files clearly.
For example:
Name_Surname_CV.pdfName_Surname_Qualification.pdfName_Surname_Portfolio.pdf
The poster does not state a closing date. Therefore, applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible.
What Graduates Can Gain
A Visual Art Internship can provide practical exposure beyond classroom learning.
Previous Art Bank programmes have placed graduates within galleries and visual arts organisations. These programmes have included areas such as curating and exhibition management.
Other areas have included collection management, marketing and administration. These experiences can expose graduates to different parts of the arts sector.
The National Museum also manages an Art Museum and Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Its wider work includes exhibitions, education, research and conservation.
Skills Applicants Should Highlight
Applicants should make their relevant creative skills easy to identify.
For example, candidates can highlight:
- Drawing and illustration skills.
- Painting techniques.
- Sculpture and three-dimensional work.
- Printmaking experience.
- Ceramic production.
- Textile design.
- Photography skills.
- Digital art capabilities.
- Creative research.
- Concept development.
- Exhibition-related experience.
Candidates should only include skills they can demonstrate through their portfolio.
How to Prepare Your Application
A well-prepared application can make the submission process easier.
First, update your CV with your latest qualification. Then, select your strongest portfolio pieces.
Next, organise the portfolio logically. Include different mediums when they demonstrate your range.
Finally, check the email address and attachments before submitting.
Applicants should also keep copies of everything they submit. They should retain the original qualification documents for future applications.
Important Details About the Opportunity
The key information from the recruitment poster is summarised below.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity | SBM Visual Art Internship |
| Year | 2026 |
| Target group | Visual Arts graduates |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Qualification | NQF Level 6 and above |
| Portfolio | Required |
| Disciplines | Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and digital art |
| CV | Required |
| Qualifications | Required |
| Application method | |
| Application email | artsprogram.sbm@gmail.com |
| Closing date | Not stated on the poster |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SBM Visual Art Internship?
The opportunity targets people aged 18 to 35. Applicants should have an NQF Level 6 or higher Visual Arts qualification.
Which Visual Arts fields are accepted?
The listed fields include drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. They also include ceramics, textiles, photography and digital art.
Where should applications be sent?
Applications should be emailed to artsprogram.sbm@gmail.com.
What documents should applicants submit?
Applicants should submit their CV, qualifications and portfolio. These documents should accompany the email application.
