Johannesburg’s biggest celebration of contemporary African art is set to return as FNB Art Joburg officially announces the dates for its highly anticipated 19th edition. Taking place from Friday, 4 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, this year’s fair will coincide with a significant milestone—the 140th anniversary of Johannesburg.
Recognised as one of Africa’s premier contemporary art fairs, FNB Art Joburg continues to bring together artists, galleries, collectors, curators and cultural leaders from across the continent and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for artistic exchange, innovation and dialogue.
A Celebration of African Creativity
Over nearly two decades, FNB Art Joburg has established itself as one of the continent’s most influential cultural events.
The annual fair has become a destination where contemporary African art takes centre stage, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with artists and works that explore Africa’s evolving identity while contributing to global conversations around creativity and culture.
Reflecting on the longstanding partnership, FNB said the fair continues to demonstrate the transformative power of creativity.
“We are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with FNB Art Joburg. Watching the fair grow into one of Africa’s most important contemporary art platforms has been inspiring. For us, this partnership reflects a fundamental belief that we hold, that when creativity is nurtured and given room to thrive, it can unlock opportunity, foster connection and drive meaningful societal change.”
Johannesburg Remains at the Heart of the Fair
For Fair Director Mandla Sibeko, Johannesburg continues to provide the perfect backdrop for an event dedicated to innovation and cultural expression.
He describes the city as a place where ambition, creativity and possibility constantly intersect.
“Johannesburg has always been a place where ambition meets possibility; where artists, entrepreneurs, thinkers and communities arrive carrying different histories and leave having built something entirely new.”
As Johannesburg celebrates its 140th birthday, the city once again serves as both the inspiration and home for one of Africa’s leading contemporary art events.
New ARC Section Expands the Fair
One of the biggest additions to this year’s programme is the introduction of ARC, a brand-new section dedicated to artists and works that challenge traditional conventions.
ARC has been created to encourage discovery, dialogue and critical inquiry while highlighting artistic practices that reflect the evolving realities of contemporary African art.
The addition strengthens an already diverse ecosystem that has become synonymous with FNB Art Joburg.
Eight Curated Platforms Return
Visitors can once again explore the fair through its established programme of carefully curated sections, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary African creativity.
The 2026 edition will feature:
- gallery HUB, showcasing Africa’s leading galleries and internationally recognised artists.
- gallery LAB, highlighting emerging galleries and experimental exhibition spaces.
- ARC, introducing innovative artistic practices that challenge convention.
- ORG, celebrating artist-run initiatives and non-profit cultural organisations.
- AUX, presenting talks, screenings and live performances.
- INK, focusing on print culture, publications, artist books and limited-edition prints.
- GIF, dedicated to photography and its role in documenting African stories.
- MAX, featuring ambitious large-scale installations that transform audience experiences.
Together, these platforms create multiple entry points into contemporary African art while supporting both artistic innovation and the commercial ecosystem that sustains the creative sector.
Open City Returns Across Johannesburg
Running alongside the fair, Open City returns from 20 August to 14 September 2026 in partnership with Brand South Africa.
The initiative extends the experience beyond the Sandton Convention Centre by transforming Johannesburg into a citywide cultural destination.
Through exhibitions, fashion, music, design, food experiences and live performances, Open City encourages visitors to explore the city’s rich creative landscape while strengthening connections between artists, communities and audiences.
Continuing to Shape Africa’s Cultural Future
As anticipation builds for the 19th edition, Sibeko believes FNB Art Joburg will once again reinforce Johannesburg’s role as one of Africa’s leading cultural capitals.
“We are excited to welcome audiences back this September when our 19th edition will realise Johannesburg’s enduring role as a meeting place for cultural breakthroughs. Through inclusivity, inquiry and the incubation of new ideas, FNB Art Joburg continues to champion the innovation that is shaping the continent’s role in the future of the global ecosystem.”
With world-class galleries, thought-provoking exhibitions, inspiring conversations and the launch of the new ARC platform, the 2026 edition promises another landmark celebration of contemporary African art while honouring Johannesburg’s remarkable 140-year journey.
