Standard Bank has opened a new space for contemporary visual arts in the heart of Sandton. Called The Standard Bank Art Lab, the space sits at Nelson Mandela Square and aims to bring together artists, audiences, and the wider creative community.
Margaret Nienaber, Standard Bank’s Group Chief Operating Officer, says,
“For over four decades, Standard Bank has proudly supported the arts, a commitment deeply rooted in our purpose: ‘Africa is our home, we drive her growth.’ The launch of the Standard Bank Art Lab marks an exciting extension of our arts portfolio – which includes the Standard Bank Gallery and Corporate Art Collection, the Standard Bank African Art Collection (jointly owned with Wits Art Museum), The National Arts Festival and Standard Bank Young Artists Awards.
“We’re thrilled to present this contemporary art exhibition at Sandton City, part of our Liberty2Degrees property portfolio. This space is designed to foster collaboration among artists, clients, and the wider community, all in support of a thriving creative economy,” adds Nienaber.
Unlike traditional galleries, the Art Lab is designed to be open and interactive. It encourages artists and audiences to collaborate, experiment, and explore different forms of expression – from painting and textiles to music, fashion, and digital storytelling. Curator and Lab Head Dr. Same Mdluli describes it as “a place where process matters as much as the final work.”
The Lab opened with the show “Follow the Blue Thread: It’s Woven Into Who We Are.” The exhibition features large–scale textile works created with mohair—a nod to Standard Bank’s early ties to the textile trade. The collection features artists such as William Kentridge, Sam Nhlengethwa, Penny Siopis, and Judith Mason. The show blends history and modernity, showing how heritage can inspire new forms of expression.
Moreover, placing the Art Lab within the high-traffic area of Nelson Mandela Square brings art closer to everyday life. Instead of drawing people into a gallery, it brings the gallery to the people. The venue is free and open six days a week, with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays.
