#FNBJAF20: The Search For Africa’s Most Influential New Artistic Talent

This year, FNB JoburgArtFair has introduced #FNBJAF20, an initiative designed to uncover the new and exciting talent on the African continent that is currently, and has the potential, to shape and inspire the global art scene now and into the future – and the public is invited to participate.

During the month of July, a selection of curators, collectors, gallerists and art platforms were approached to put forward up to three new talent contemporary artists they believe have the ability to fit this description – to influence talented production and culture at large. 

These nominations have been gathered onto one webpage which displays the nominated new talent artists and will capture public votes. People can scroll through the nominations and either vote for one of the artists already included OR put forward a recommendation of their own. All they need to do is supply the artist’s name. Entries opened on 14 August 2018 and will be capped at 50 nominations.

People can vote for up to three artists and the Top 20 result will be the 20 artists with the most votes. To make it that much easier, votes can also be done via the hashtag #FNBJAF20 on social media and online. Voters who submit via the website and submit their email address will be eligible to win:

●      One of five sets of two complimentary tickets to the much sought after Opening Night of the FNB JoburgArtFair on Thursday 6 September

OR

●      One of 10 sets of two complimentary tickets good for any of the Fair days i.e. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 7, 8 or 9 September.

Members of the public have until 4 September 2018 to vote. Eligible winners will be notified via email 5 September 2018 and have 24 hours to claim their prize. During the week of the FNB JoburgArtFair, the top 20 artists will be announced on social media.

“There has been a significant increase of interest in contemporary African art over the past decade since we first launched the FNB JoburgArtFair,” says Cobi Labuscagne, Director of Artlogic. “In turn, this has resulted in an increase in the number of galleries representing artists, foundations, museums, art fairs, installations in urban precincts and exploratory projects – in general more excitement and energy. Through this process, some African artists will emerge with stronger voices than others – and we’d like the public to help us find out who they are. Ultimately, it is the public’s voice that counts in terms of a more profound and lasting influence.”

“The FNB JoburgArtFair has been an incredible platform for unearthing artistic talent and we have seen many of the artists’ careers being catapulted onto the international stage after being showcased at the Fair. The continued success of the Fair speaks to the very core of our approach to sponsorships, which is to create opportunities for artists to go from the initial inspiration to the creation of the art pieces. The #FNBJAF20 is an opportunity for the public to show their support for our artists by voting in their droves,” says Bonga Sebesho, FNB Head of Sponsorships.

Visit FNB JoburgArtFair.