Media Statement: For immediate release 06 May 2026
The National Arts Council (NAC) is proud to announce a pilot partnership with RMB Latitudes Art Fair for INDEX 2026, taking place from 22 May 2026 to 24 May 2026. In a significant move for the creative economy, the two organisations have formalised this collaboration to establish a high-profile platform dedicated to the growth of independent and emerging visual artists in South Africa. The initiative aims to enhance visibility and expand opportunities for artists, while reinforcing a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and inclusive visual arts sector.
RMB Latitudes Art Fair INDEX 2026 represents a strategic step forward in positioning South African visual artists within a strengthened creative and commercial ecosystem. It creates a dedicated platform that supports artistic growth, visibility, and professional advancement, while strengthening pathways for emerging and independent practitioners to gain meaningful recognition and sustained engagement within the sector.
This collaboration serves as a powerful conduit between the studio and the showroom. By integrating NAC-funded artists into the RMB Latitudes Art Fair and its digital counterpart, Latitudes Online, the partnership provides creators with expanded access to collectors, curators, and leading art institutions. More than a conventional exhibition platform, INDEX 2026 prioritises professional development, market exposure, and networking opportunities, ensuring that artists are not only showcased but also equipped with the visibility and industry relationships required to build sustainable careers within the broader art economy.
A total of six (6) NAC-funded artists were selected through a closed call process, adjudicated by a joint selection panel comprising representatives from both the NAC and RMB Latitudes Art Fair, including representatives from the NAC Visual Arts Advisory Panel. This rigorous selection process ensures curatorial integrity, fairness, and alignment with the strategic objectives of the programme.
Moving beyond traditional funding models, the partnership introduces a sophisticated curatorial approach led by the Latitudes team. Through a cohesive and intentional strategy, the initiative ensures that artworks presented are both narratively compelling and commercially viable. This model strengthens the creative ecosystem by enabling artists to transition from short-term project-based support towards long-term sustainability within the competitive art market, creating a more structured and opportunity-driven environment for artistic development.
The collaboration further stands as a testament to the NAC’s mandate to support, promote, and develop South Africa’s vibrant arts sector. Through the INDEX 2026 platform, the Council is actively working to dismantle barriers to entry and broaden access for diverse artistic voices. The initiative underscores a continued commitment to innovation, inclusion, and the advancement of sustainable creative careers, ensuring that the arts remain a dynamic space for growth, transformation, and opportunity.
-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Media: media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
About The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)
The National Arts Council is an agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It was established in April 1997 through an act of Parliament (Act No. 56 of 1997). It is the largest Arts & Culture funding agency in South Africa, responsible for serving most of the arts disciplines namely, Dance, Music, Theatre, Craft, Literature, Visual Arts and Multidiscipline.
About RMB Latitudes Art Fair
RMB Latitudes Art Fair is a leading contemporary art platform that connects artists with audiences through curated exhibitions and digital access, championing innovation, accessibility, and market expansion in the visual arts.
https://www.latitudesartfair.com
Click the link below to view artist profiles:
INDEX: INDEPENDENT ARTIST EXHIBITION presented by National Arts Council
