The RMB Latitudes Art Fair is set to captivate Johannesburg once again, returning for its third edition in 2025. Taking place from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, the event will unfold at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens, an enchanting venue that perfectly complements the fair’s immersive, multi-sensory approach to contemporary African art. Visitors can expect to explore dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces, pause for a leisurely lunch in the lush gardens, and engage in thought-provoking conversations while contemplating remarkable sculptures under Johannesburg’s crisp autumn skies.
A Celebration of Collaboration
Presented by Latitudes Online in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), RMB Latitudes has quickly become a highlight on Johannesburg’s cultural calendar. Its third edition is poised to be even more exceptional, with over 50 galleries and 300 artists coming together to showcase a diverse range of talent. Galleries like Southern Guild, Stevenson, and Everard Read, alongside nomadic gallery FEDE Arthouse and Nigerian space AMG Projects, represent the wide-reaching spectrum of the African art ecosystem.
This year's theme, "CO-PRODUCTION," celebrates the collaborative spirit of the event, uniting galleries, artists, and institutions to present a program that emphasizes the power of working together. "CO-PRODUCTION speaks to the very essence of what we do - connect all players in the art industry to create a rich, dynamic experience," says Lucy MacGarry, co-founder and director of the fair.
Special Projects and Unique Collaborations
The 2025 edition brings a variety of exciting special projects, each curated with a keen sense of cultural context and creative innovation. The International platform this year focuses on Botswana, highlighting a blend of contemporary art and traditional practices. This regional spotlight exemplifies the fair’s commitment to celebrating African artistic diversity and fostering cross-border collaborations.
The INDEX exhibition, curated by artist Bonolo Kavula, delves into the world of abstract art. Through a mentorship model, Kavula guides independent artists to challenge the boundaries of abstraction, pushing them to explore new depths of expression. Meanwhile, Disturbed Currents: Art for a Warming World offers an outdoor exhibition examining the intersection of climate change and human experience, offering a poignant commentary on the environmental challenges we face today.
The art of South Africa’s ceramic sculptor Amalie von Maltitz will also feature prominently, with her stoneware sculptures shown alongside charcoal works by iconic artist Sydney Kumalo in a special exhibition titled ESSAY.
Broadening Access and Fostering Growth
RMB Latitudes is committed to making art accessible to a diverse audience, from seasoned collectors to first-time visitors. The fair's curatorial approach not only brings together an impressive range of works from established artists but also fosters intergenerational connections and sustainable growth within the sector. RMB's ongoing partnership with Latitudes includes programs such as the RMB Latitudes CuratorLab, a mentorship initiative aimed at empowering aspiring curators across the continent, and the RMB Latitudes Collectors’ Circle, which brings together like-minded art enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions and support the development of the art world.
“Creativity fuels optimism and optimism fuels creativity,” says Alison Badenhorst, RMB’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Our partnership with Latitudes embodies this positive relationship, unlocking and celebrating the creative potential of African artists."
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the best of contemporary African art. Tickets for the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2025 are now on sale.
