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, 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 00 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.
