3 hours ago
1
Standard Bank is excited to unveil The Standard Bank Art Lab, a vibrant new visual arts hub at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City. Designed as a dynamic space, the Art Lab encourages collaboration, creativity, and artistic exploration.
Margaret Nienaber, Standard Bank’s group chief operating officer, says the bank has supported the arts for four decades, a commitment deeply rooted in its purpose: “Africa is our home, we drive her growth.”
The Art Lab adds to Standard Bank’s rich arts portfolio, which includes the acclaimed Standard Bank Gallery, the Corporate Art Collection, the Standard Bank African Art Collection (co-owned with Wits Art Museum), the National Arts Festival, and the Standard Bank Young Artists Awards.
The Standard Bank Gallery, showcasing masterpieces by South African icons like Irma Stern, the late Gerard Sekoto, and David Koloane, has earned over one million reviews from travel writers, magazines, guides, and trusted news outlets for its excellence.
The new Standard Bank Art Lab continues that long-standing tradition of excellence.
“We’re thrilled to present this contemporary art exhibition at Sandton City, part of our Liberty2Degrees property portfolio,” adds Nienaber.
“This space is designed to foster collaboration among artists, clients, and the wider community, all in support of a thriving creative economy.”
Standard Bank’s roots go back to 1862 in the Eastern Cape when it was a crucial pillar of the booming wool trade at the time. Given these origins, the bank’s history is interwoven with the textures and economies of textiles. What started as financial support for agricultural trade has grown into a deep commitment to fostering cultural production and expression.
The inaugural exhibition, themed ‘Follow the Blue Thread: It’s Woven Into Who We Are’, celebrates African art’s transformative power through tapestry with stunning representations of South Africa’s unique story in the world. Featuring fibre works woven from mohair, created in collaboration between artists and master weavers, the exhibition explores the connection between textile and visual arts, as well as commerce, craft, and culture.
Featuring works by Penny Siopis, Judith Mason, Sam Nhlengethwa, William Kentridge and Miriam Ndebele, the exhibition reimagines the corporate collection not as static archive but as a living resource.
In doing so, it asks vital questions, says Dr Same Mdluli, Standard Bank curator and gallery manager: “What cultural memory do collections preserve? Whose stories do they tell? And how might they contribute to the creative economies of tomorrow?”
Located in the bustling commercial hub of Sandton City, the Standard Bank Art Lab creates unexpected connections – blending art with fashion, music with movement, and traditional craft with digital storytelling. It’s a space where new audiences, spontaneous interactions, and moments of inspiration thrive. The Art Lab prioritises curiosity over tradition and community over exclusivity, bridging legacy with limitless possibilities.
Stay connected with Standard Bank Arts
For more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and artist interviews, follow Standard Bank Arts on social media:
Facebook: @StandardBankArts
X: @StandardBankArt
Instagram: @StandardBankArts
Website: www.standardbank.com/sponsorship
Brought to you by the Standard Bank Group.
Moneyweb does not endorse any product or service being advertised in sponsored articles on our platform.
English (US) ·