RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide

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RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026, set for May 22–24, transforms Johannesburg’s enchanting Shepstone Gardens into a dynamic hub celebrating contemporary African art. 🎉 This fourth edition showcases over 50 galleries and 300 artists from across Africa and its diaspora, presenting paintings, sculptures, installations, and digital works in a unique indoor-outdoor setting. 🖼️ Held on a magnificent three-acre estate, the fair offers an immersive experience, inviting visitors to wander through marble halls, secret gardens, and rooftop pavilions. 🌳 The 2026 theme, “Co-Creation,” emphasizes collaborative artistic practices, fostering connections between galleries, artists, and communities. 🤝 With an expected attendance of over 3,000, including collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, the fair creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. 😊 Highlights include the RMB Young Artists’ Playground, a focus on Botswana’s art scene, and interactive talks at the Latitudes Lounge. 🎭 The fair’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recycled materials and digital platforms. 🌿 Artworks, priced from R 4,500 to R 70,000, cater to diverse collectors, blending accessibility with excellence. 💰 RMB Latitudes 2026, supported by Latitudes Online, amplifies African voices through a hybrid format, ensuring global reach. 💻 This vibrant event cements Johannesburg’s status as a leading destination for African contemporary art. ✨
Brief Information 📅

• Dates: May 22–24, 2026, with Vernissage days on May 20–21 and public days from May 22–24. 🎫
• Location: Shepstone Gardens, 8 Hope Road, Mountain View, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa. 🌸
• Theme: Co-Creation, celebrating collaborative African artistry. 🌟
• Attendance: Over 3,000 visitors, from collectors to families. 👏
• Type: Indoor-outdoor contemporary art fair with exhibitions, talks, and performances. 🎨

Highlights 🎉

• RMB Talent Unlocked: A showcase of emerging artists like Xanthe Scout Lardner-Burke, May 22–24. 🌟
• Botswana Focus: Collaborative presentations of traditional and contemporary Botswanan art, May 22–24. 🌍
• Teresa Firmino’s Solo Show: Everard Read Gallery presents “Owners of the Earth,” exploring Black womanhood, May 22–24. 🖼️
• Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Large-scale works by artists like Nandipha Mntambo, open daily. 🗿
• RMB Young Artists’ Playground: Interactive art-making for kids aged 5–12, May 23–24. 👧
• Latitudes Lounge Talks: Discussions on digital art trends with curator Mary Corrigall, May 23. 💬
• BASA Walkabouts: Guided tours with cultural experts, offering deep insights, May 22–23. 🚶‍♀️
• Book Signing Event: Teresa Firmino signs her monograph, May 24. 📚

Organizer 👥

• Latitudes Online, a women-led platform, organizes the fair with a focus on African creativity. 🌟
• Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a key sponsor, supports the fair’s vision through initiatives like RMB CuratorLab. 💰
• Partnerships with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) enhance cultural programming. 🤝
• A curatorial team, including Lucy MacGarry and Nkhensani Mkhari, ensures a diverse, innovative lineup. 🖌️

What to Attend 🎟️

• Latitudes Lounge Talks: “Art Meets Algorithm” panel on digital art growth, May 23. 💻
• RMB Young Artists’ Playground: Sustainability-themed workshops for kids, May 23–24. 🌿
• BASA Walkabouts: Guided tours exploring African art narratives, May 22–23. 🚶‍♀️
• Teresa Firmino Book Signing: Engage with the artist’s work on Black identity, May 24. 📚
• Outdoor Sculpture Tours: Curator-led walks through Shepstone’s gardens, daily. 🗿
• RMB Collectors Circle Event: Exclusive talk for collectors on art investment, May 22. 💬
• Film Screenings: Short films by African artists at the Latitudes Pavilion, May 23. 🎥

Ticket Information 💸

• General admission is R 350 per day or R 800 for a weekend pass, available at latitudesartfair.com. 🎫
• Vernissage tickets cost R 1,200 for exclusive access on May 20–21, with limited availability. 🌟
• Student tickets are R 250 at the door on May 22, with group bookings via boitumelo@latitudes.online. 🆓
• Online access to Latitudes’ digital platform is included with all tickets. 💻

Getting There 🚗✈️
Johannesburg, South Africa’s cultural and economic hub, offers seamless access to RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 at Shepstone Gardens. 🌆 Fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), a 30-minute drive from the venue, with flights from London, Dubai, and New York via carriers like South African Airways and Emirates. ✈️ International visitors can connect through Cape Town or Nairobi for convenient transfers. 🌍 From Sandton, a 20-minute Uber or taxi ride reaches Shepstone Gardens, with a designated drop-off zone on Hope Road. 📱 No parking is available at the venue, but a free Park and Ride shuttle operates from the Old Edwardian Society in Houghton, accessible via 4th Street. 🚌 The shuttle runs continuously, ensuring easy access during fair hours. 🚐 Public transport includes Gautrain to Park Station, followed by a short taxi ride to Mountain View. 🚆 Driving via the M1 Motorway is possible, with parking at Old Edwardian Society’s secure lot. 🚗 Cyclists can use Joburg’s bike lanes, though no bike racks are provided at the venue. 🚲 Shepstone Gardens is partially accessible, with ramps for indoor areas but uneven terrain in gardens. ♿ Book accommodations early in Rosebank or Sandton, from boutique hotels to guesthouses, for proximity. 🏨 Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the three-acre estate and layers for Johannesburg’s mild May weather. ☀️ The journey to Shepstone Gardens blends urban energy with lush, artistic surroundings, enhancing the fair experience. 😊
History 📜
RMB Latitudes Art Fair, launched in 2019 as Latitudes Art Fair in Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square, emerged to create a re-envisioned platform for African contemporary art. 🌱 The inaugural event drew a diverse audience, showcasing 30 galleries and emphasizing accessibility and innovation. 🎨 By 2023, the fair relocated to Shepstone Gardens, partnering with Rand Merchant Bank to become RMB Latitudes, hosting 40 galleries from 12 countries. 🚀 The 2023 edition introduced the theme of “Co-Emergence,” exploring cultural influences in African art, and welcomed 250 artists. 🖼️ In 2024, the fair expanded to 50 galleries, with a focus on sculpture and solo presentations, drawing 3,000 visitors. 🎉 The RMB Young Artists’ Playground, launched in 2023, became a hallmark, fostering creativity in children through sustainability-themed workshops. 🌿 The fair’s hybrid model, integrating Latitudes Online, has amplified global access since 2021, with artworks priced from R 4,500 to R 70,000. 💻 Partnerships with BASA and initiatives like RMB CuratorLab, started in 2023, have nurtured emerging curators across Africa. 🤝 The 2025 fair, themed “Co-Production,” solidified its role as a collaborative hub, setting the stage for 2026’s focus on “Co-Creation.” 🔥 RMB Latitudes continues to evolve, celebrating Africa’s vibrant creative economy while fostering global connections. ✨
Mission 🎯
RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 is dedicated to creating an inclusive, transformative platform that celebrates and amplifies contemporary African art. 🌈 It aims to connect artists, galleries, and collectors across the continent and diaspora, fostering a vibrant, collaborative art ecosystem. 🤝 By showcasing diverse mediums, from sculptures to digital works, the fair highlights Africa’s rich creative heritage. 🖌️ The mission prioritizes accessibility, offering affordable artworks and inclusive programs like the Young Artists’ Playground. 🌟 Sustainability is central, with eco-conscious practices like recycled materials and digital ticketing. 🌿 Through initiatives like RMB CuratorLab and Collectors Circle, the fair nurtures emerging talent and educates collectors. 💬 It seeks to challenge traditional “white cube” models, creating immersive, welcoming spaces for all audiences. 🔥 RMB Latitudes aspires to position Johannesburg as a global hub for African art, driving cultural and economic growth. 😊
Tips for Visitors 🗺️

• Book tickets early at latitudesartfair.com to secure Vernissage and weekend passes. 🎟️
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Shepstone Gardens’ indoor and outdoor spaces. 👟
• Visit nearby Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile for additional art experiences. 🖼️
• Use the free Park and Ride shuttle from Old Edwardian Society for easy access. 🚌
• Attend the RMB Young Artists’ Playground with kids for creative fun. 👧
• Arrive early for BASA Walkabouts to gain deeper insights into artworks. ⏰
• Enjoy dining at Shepstone’s pop-up restaurants for local and continental flavors. 🍴
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while browsing galleries. 💧
• Connect with artists at the Latitudes Lounge for personal insights. 👋
• Explore the sculpture garden for a serene, art-filled experience. 🗿

SP-Arte 2026 is a premier art fair that brings together a diverse range of modern and contemporary art from around the world 🌎. Here are some reasons why you should attend:

Discover New Artists and Galleries 🎨

• SP-Arte 2026 features over 100 galleries and showcases the work of more than 1,000 artists 🎨
• Discover new and emerging artists, as well as established ones, and learn about their creative processes and inspirations 🌟

Experience the Best of Modern and Contemporary Art 🎉

• SP-Arte 2026 showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography 🎨
• Experience the best of Brazilian and international art, and get a glimpse of the latest trends and innovations in the art world 🌎

Networking Opportunities 🤝

• SP-Arte 2026 is a great opportunity to meet and network with art professionals, including gallery owners, artists, curators, and collectors 🤝
• Make connections, learn about new opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the art market 📊

Buy Art at Affordable Prices 💸

• SP-Arte 2026 offers a unique opportunity to buy art at affordable prices, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars 💸
• Find the perfect piece of art to add to your collection, or discover new artists and galleries to follow 🎨

Enjoy a Unique and Engaging Experience 🎉

• SP-Arte 2026 is a vibrant and engaging event, with a range of activities and events, including talks, tours, and performances 🎉
• Enjoy a unique and immersive experience, and take part in the excitement of the art world 🌟

Support the Art Community 🌈

• SP-Arte 2026 is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop the art market in Brazil 🌈
• By attending the fair, you are supporting the art community and contributing to the growth and development of the art market 🎨

Be Part of a Global Art Event 🌎

• SP-Arte 2026 is part of a global art event, with art fairs and exhibitions taking place around the world 🌎
• Be part of a global community of art lovers and professionals, and stay connected with the latest developments in the art world 📊
• Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend SP-Arte 2026 and experience the best of modern and contemporary art 🎨! 🎉👏

SP-Arte is a premier art fair that takes place annually in São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷. The fair has a rich history that spans over two decades, and has become one of the most important art events in Latin America 🌟.

Early Years (2005-2010) 🎉
The first edition of SP-Arte took place in 2005, and was founded by a group of Brazilian art dealers and collectors 🎨. The fair was initially held at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in São Paulo, and featured a small group of local galleries and artists 📍.

Growth and Expansion (2010-2015) 🚀
In the early 2010s, SP-Arte began to grow and expand, with more galleries and artists participating each year 📈. The fair moved to the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park, which provided a larger and more modern venue 🌳.

International Recognition (2015-2020) 🌎
In 2015, SP-Arte was recognized as one of the most important art fairs in the world by the art market magazine, Artprice 🌟. The fair continued to grow and expand, with more international galleries and artists participating each year 🌍.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022) 🌪️
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the fair, and the event was held online instead 📊. In 2022, the fair returned to its physical format, with a smaller but still significant number of galleries and artists participating 🎨.

SP-Arte 2026 🎉
The 2026 edition of SP-Arte promises to be one of the most exciting and innovative editions yet 🎉. The fair will feature over 100 galleries and showcase the work of more than 1,000 artists from around the world 🌎.

Milestones 🎉

• 2005: First edition of SP-Arte takes place at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in São Paulo 🎨
• 2010: Fair moves to the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park 🌳
• 2015: SP-Arte is recognized as one of the most important art fairs in the world by Artprice 🌟
• 2020: Fair is cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, and held online instead 📊
• 2022: Fair returns to its physical format, with a smaller but still significant number of galleries and artists participating 🎨
• 2026: SP-Arte celebrates its 22nd edition, with over 100 galleries and more than 1,000 artists participating 🎉

Statistics 📊

• Over 100 galleries participating in the 2026 edition 📈
• More than 1,000 artists showcasing their work 🎨
• Over 20,000 visitors expected to attend the fair 🌟
• Over $10 million in art sales expected 📊

The history of SP-Arte is a testament to the fair's commitment to promoting and developing the art market in Brazil and internationally 🌎. With its rich history and reputation for excellence, SP-Arte 2026 is an event not to be missed 🎉! 🎨👏

The mission of SP-Arte 2026 is to promote and develop the art market in Brazil and internationally, while fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence in the art world 🌎. Our mission is guided by the following principles:

Promote Brazilian Art 🇧🇷

• To showcase the best of Brazilian modern and contemporary art, and to promote the work of Brazilian artists and galleries 🎨
• To provide a platform for Brazilian artists to exhibit their work and to connect with international art professionals and collectors 🌟

Foster International Exchange 🌎

• To bring together art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world, and to foster international exchange and collaboration 🌍
• To provide a unique opportunity for international galleries and artists to showcase their work in Brazil, and to connect with the Brazilian art market 🌈

Support Emerging Artists 🌟

• To provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and to gain international recognition 🌟
• To support the development of new and innovative art practices, and to encourage experimentation and creativity in the art world 🎨

Educate and Engage 📚

• To educate and engage the public about modern and contemporary art, and to promote a culture of art appreciation and criticism 📚
• To provide a range of educational programs and activities, including talks, tours, and workshops, to enhance the visitor experience and to foster a deeper understanding of the art on display 📊

Nurture a Community 🌈

• To nurture a community of art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts, and to provide a platform for networking and collaboration 🌈
• To foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members of the art community, and to promote a culture of mutual support and respect 🤝

Innovate and Evolve 🚀

• To innovate and evolve in response to changing trends and technologies in the art world, and to stay at the forefront of contemporary art practices 🚀
• To continuously evaluate and improve our programs and services, and to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in promoting the art market and supporting the art community 📈

By fulfilling our mission, we aim to make a positive impact on the art world, and to contribute to the growth and development of the art market in Brazil and internationally 🌎. 🎨👏