FNB Art Joburg returns to Sandton Convention Centre

FNB Art Joburg, a staple in Johannesburg’s cultural calendar is set to return to the Sandton Convention Centre from September 6-8, 2024.

Now in its 17th edition, the fair has established itself as a premier platform for showcasing contemporary African art and culture.

Read  more: A blossoming artist’s life cut short

It is said that the three-day event will feature various exciting activities, including the debut of a new section dedicated to photographers, dubbed GIF (Gallery Image Format). This innovative space will provide a platform for galleries to showcase the work of image makers, with the potential to expand to include all lens-based media in the future.

FNB chief marketing officer Faye Mfikwe said they were reimagining FNB Art Joburg, and this year’s fair would see attendees and exhibitors experience the best of contemporary African art and culture.

“This repositioning of FNB Art Joburg ensures that we make this more than just a fair, but it is about creating a culture of appreciation and ownership that empowers creative talent in South Africa and the African continent.

“As FNB, we remain focused on supporting the creative economy and ensuring that contemporary African art remains a consistent player in the global art landscape. We are immensely proud of our long-standing sponsorship of FNB Art Joburg, now in its 17th year, and counting,” Mfikwe said.

In addition to GIF, the fair will be divided into six specialised sections: gallery HUB, gallery LAB, MAX, ETC, AUX, and ORG. These sections will feature internationally renowned galleries, emerging artists, and institutions from across the continent.

The gallery HUB pavilion presents large-scale works by institutionally recognised artists, while the gallery LAB section will incubate emerging galleries and hybrid art spaces. The MAX section will feature large-scale works that challenge the limitations of a conventional booth.

Also read: Stunning glass art dazzles audience

The ETC section will allow visitors to engage with master print and publishing houses, while the ORG section will represent Johannesburg’s seminal art institutions. The AUX section, sponsored by ITOO Art insure, will explore topics such as practice development, photography in Africa, industry crossing pollination and safeguarding the contemporary art ecosystem.

To usher in Open City 2024, The BMW Art Generation supported by FNB is set to take place on August 31. The event will feature a conference of discourse and discursive essays within contemporary African art, accompanied by exhibitions, performance art, live music performances, food, coffee and wine stalls.

Managing director of FNB Art Joburg Mandla Sibeko said, “Parallel to being a blue-chip survey of contemporary African art, FNB Art Joburg prides itself in its year-long support of various facets in the ecosystem.

“In maintaining this attentive, nurturing culture we have also been able to fulfill our aim for economic stimulation, inclusivity, and access for all with 16+ days of culture through Open City. All together, we hope to continue facilitating a consistent, accessible, considered and reputable offering that will continue to propel us into the future.”

The fair’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its Open City initiative, which takes place beyond the three-day fair. The city-wide event encourages visitors and residents to immerse themselves in Johannesburg’s rich cultural offerings for 16+ days.

From August 29 to September 13, Open City will activate the city with art, music, performance, food, and fashion.

Related article: Kula gallery calls on Alex to come and view art curation