Johannesburg’s cultural calendar delivered one of its most vibrant weekends of the year as Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange returned to the 2026 RMB Latitudes Art Fair, transforming art appreciation into an immersive celebration of creativity, conversation and contemporary African culture.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Shepstone Gardens, the annual fair once again brought together artists, collectors, curators, creatives and cultural tastemakers for a multi-sensory experience that showcased the richness and diversity of African artistic expression.
At the centre of the experience was Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, a platform that continues to champion progressive African creativity by creating spaces where storytelling, culture, art and meaningful human connection intersect.
A Cultural Landmark for Contemporary African Art
Over the years, RMB Latitudes Art Fair has established itself as one of South Africa’s most influential cultural gatherings, redefining how audiences experience contemporary art.
Unlike traditional exhibition formats, the fair invites visitors to explore art through a series of carefully curated indoor and outdoor spaces woven throughout the historic Shepstone Gardens estate.
From large-scale sculpture installations positioned beneath Johannesburg’s autumn skies to thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive cultural experiences, the fair encourages visitors to engage with creativity in unexpected and memorable ways.
The 2026 edition once again demonstrated why RMB Latitudes Art Fair remains a standout event on the city’s arts and culture calendar.
Where Art Meets Self-Expression
Among the fair’s most popular attractions was the Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange Art Experience, an interactive activation designed to encourage personal creativity and artistic participation.
Guests were invited to pick up a paintbrush, create their own artworks and immerse themselves in a space where self-expression flowed as freely as conversation.
Paired with expertly crafted Johnnie Walker cocktails, the activation became a vibrant meeting point where art, culture and modern luxury converged.
The experience reflected the broader philosophy behind Afro Exchange — that creativity is most powerful when it is shared, exchanged and experienced collectively.
Building Progress Through Creativity
For Johnnie Walker, the partnership with RMB Latitudes Art Fair represents more than sponsorship. It reflects a shared commitment to nurturing innovation, collaboration and cultural progress across Africa.
“The alignment between RMB Latitudes Art Fair and Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange is rooted in a shared belief in progress through creativity and connection,” says Ifeoma Agu, Group Head for Culture, Influencers & Advocacy at Diageo South West & Central Africa.
“RMB Latitudes Art Fair has consistently positioned itself at the intersection of culture, innovation and art, making Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange a natural extension of that vision.”
“Together, we are creating platforms where African creativity is not only showcased, but actively exchanged, experienced and elevated in ways that reflect the future of culture on the continent.”
The partnership highlights a growing movement across Africa’s creative industries where brands are increasingly supporting cultural ecosystems that empower artists, creators and communities.
Conversations with One of Africa’s Most Distinctive Voices
One of the highlights of the weekend was the exclusive “Drinks with Dada” experience.
The intimate gathering brought together Johnnie Walker guests, cultural influencers and art enthusiasts for meaningful conversations with acclaimed Cape Town-based artist Dada Khanyisa.
Known for creating work that challenges traditional perspectives and engages deeply with space and storytelling, Khanyisa presented a striking body of work that responded directly to its architectural surroundings.
The exhibition encouraged unexpected dialogue and offered visitors a thought-provoking encounter that perfectly captured the spirit of Afro Exchange.
Through conversation, art and shared experience, guests were invited to engage with creativity beyond the gallery wall.
Celebrating African Creativity Across Borders
A defining feature of RMB Latitudes Art Fair is its annual International Focus programme, which spotlights a different African country each year while fostering cross-border artistic collaboration and cultural exchange.
For 2026, the spotlight turned to Nigeria.
In partnership with Yenwa Gallery, RMB Latitudes curated a special exhibition in Lagos before bringing the showcase to South Africa as part of this year’s fair.
The initiative aligns naturally with the mission of Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, which seeks to amplify diverse African voices while creating opportunities for collaboration, storytelling and artistic dialogue across the continent.
By connecting artists, audiences and cultural communities across borders, both platforms continue to contribute to a more interconnected and globally recognised African creative landscape.
Shaping the Future of African Culture
As contemporary African art continues to gain international recognition, events such as RMB Latitudes Art Fair are becoming increasingly important spaces for cultural exchange, creative discovery and artistic innovation.
For Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, the fair offered another opportunity to reinforce its commitment to supporting the next generation of African excellence.
Through immersive experiences, meaningful conversations and collaborative cultural moments, the platform continues to celebrate the artists, thinkers and creators who are helping shape Africa’s cultural future.
At Shepstone Gardens this year, that future felt vibrant, connected and full of possibility.
And as guests departed after a weekend of creativity, conversation and inspiration, one message remained clear: the exchange of ideas remains one of the most powerful forms of progress.
