RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026: an oasis of contemporary African art 

RMB Latitudes Art Fair will return to Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg, from 22–24 May 2026 for its fourth edition, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Known for its distinctive model prioritising exchange, sustainability and long-term visibility, the Fair brings together artists, galleries and cultural partners in a setting that encourages meaningful engagement with art.

“At RMB Latitudes, we are committed to expanding equitable access to markets and creating meaningful opportunities for artists to connect with new audiences,” says Lucy MacGarry, Co-founder and Director of Latitudes. “Our priority is, and always has been, to put artists first – centring their voices, supporting their long-term visibility, and building pathways for sustainable practice. RMB Latitudes reimagines how the art ecosystem can work more inclusively, for artists and for the wider cultural community.”

Set within the historic terraced gardens and architecture of Shepstone Gardens, RMB Latitudes offers an immersive alternative to conventional art fair formats. Carefully designed indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces combine the intimacy of a curated show with the professional standards and museum-grade presentation expected of major international fairs.

This balance between intimacy and rigour has become a defining feature of RMB Latitudes, combining an oasis-like experience with the credibility and commercial strength of a global art fair.

Nigeria Focus: deepening continental exchange

Continuing its commitment to cross-continental dialogue, the Fair’s 2026 international focus turns to Nigeria, spotlighting one of Africa’s most dynamic creative ecosystems.

“RMB is committed to helping to build a sustainable art economy across Africa and strengthening cultural development,” says RMB’s Alison Badenhorst. “With a strong presence on the continent, we can bridge markets, drive engagement and support artists, curators, collectors and audiences to reach new local and global opportunities. Through RMB Latitudes, we aim to unlock talent and enable creativity to thrive.”

The Focus programme reflects RMB Latitudes’ model of sustained, in-country engagement. In 2025, partnerships in Botswana culminated in a sold-out presentation at the Fair in Johannesburg and new collector relationships for participating artists and galleries. Rather than showcasing countries only during the Fair, Latitudes works with local partners in advance to stage exhibitions, build networks and create context – prioritising long-term exchange over once-off presentations.

“Through the Focus programme, we build genuine relationships on the ground,” says Latitudes’ Boitumelo Makousu. “By working within each country first – meeting artists, curators and galleries in their own contexts – we create presentations that feel collaborative and sustained rather than extractive. Nigeria has a powerful creative community, and we’re excited to deepen those exchanges and bring that energy into the Fair.”

The theme for 2026: Oasis

The 2026 theme, Oasis, reflects on the improbability of creative flourishing in unlikely places. Marking 140 years of Johannesburg – a city founded without access to a major body of water – the theme considers how creativity, like water, sustains and regenerates life in unexpected environments.

“The Fair embraces Johannesburg’s spirit of resilience and renewal, affirming the arts’ capacity to nourish, connect and reimagine the cultural landscape,” says Denzo Nyathi, Curator and Head of Sales. “It also draws inspiration from the gardens that host the Fair each year – a carefully tended pocket of green within an urban context.”

Collaborators and guests alike are invited to join RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 in reflecting on how sparks of creativity are found – and sustained – in the most unexpected of environments.

*Please note there is no parking at the venue. If you arrive by Uber you can be collected and dropped off outside the venue. Alternatively, please make use of the Fair’s Park and Ride at the Old Edwardian Society, Houghton, where transport will be provided to and from Shepstone Gardens. This service is free and runs constantly.