Bank of Namibia Showcases Innovation Through Shredded Banknote Art Competition

Bank of Namibia Showcases Innovation Through Shredded Banknote Art Competition. A creative spotlight has been cast on Namibia’s artistic community as the Bank of Namibia concludes its Shredded Banknote Art Competition, a national initiative celebrating the institution’s 35th anniversary. The competition formed part of the Bank’s commemorative theme, “Anchored in Stability, Advancing with Transformation: 35 Years of Central Banking Excellence and Innovation”, highlighting the growing intersection between creativity, sustainability and institutional storytelling.

The Bank invited artists from across the country to submit concepts that repurposed shredded Namibian banknotes into meaningful artworks. The response was strong, with 55 entries received from a wide range of creators working in different mediums and styles. From these submissions, 15 finalists were selected and invited to transform their concepts into physical artworks using shredded notes supplied by the Bank.

An independent judging panel evaluated the completed pieces. Among the judges was Michelle van Wyk, Director of the National Art Gallery of Namibia. The criteria included interpretation of the anniversary theme, creative use of the shredded material, technical presentation, originality, artistic expression and the extent to which the work connects with the Bank’s mandate.

The Bank of Namibia has officially announced the winners.First place went to Juliana Fransisko from Otjozondjupa, receiving N$15,000.Second place was awarded to Adonia Mouton from Erongo, who received N$10,000.Third place went to Klaudia Nghitevelekwa from Zambezi, earning N$5,000.

The Bank expressed pride in the level of creativity demonstrated throughout the competition, noting that the artworks reflect innovation and thoughtful engagement with the project theme. The winning pieces will be exhibited at the Bank of Namibia, giving the public an opportunity to view how shredded currency can be transformed into expressive visual narratives.