​​Johannesburg has long been recognised as a cultural powerhouse, a City where art is not only created but lived. This past weekend, the RMB Latitudes Art Fair reinforced that reputation by demonstrating that art appreciation and collecting were truly for everyone, not just the elite.

Hosted in the vibrant heart of Joburg, the fair was more than an event; it was a dynamic platform that championed inclusivity, knowledge-sharing, and accessibility within the art world. Thanks to a visionary partnership between Latitudes Online, Africa Collect, and iTOO Artinsure, owning a piece of art had never been more attainable.

Latitudes had consistently strived to be an accessible art space, and this year, they took a bold step further. Collectors were offered the unprecedented opportunity to purchase artworks, ranging from R1,000 to R50,000 (ex. VAT), through automated instalment plans spread over 12 months. This initiative proved game-changing for both collectors and artists, easing the purchasing process for buyers while ensuring creators had a more sustainable platform to showcase and sell their work without financial strain.

To further enhance buyer confidence, Latitudes had partnered with iTOO Artinsure to insure artworks throughout the instalment period. This meant investments were protected from damage or theft until fully paid, allowing new collections to begin immediately.

“What an incredible fair. I came away feeling inspired by the elegant experience, the beautiful venue, the professional team, and most importantly, delighted with our sales and high-calibre new contacts,” remarked Angela Shaw, Director of KZNSA Gallery.

The City of Johannesburg’s firm support for events like RMB Latitudes underscored a broader mission: to create engaging, educational, and economically inclusive experiences for Joburgers. This reflected a cultural strategy to champion events that sparked connection, told authentic local stories, and celebrated Joburg’s thriving creative ecosystem.

Written by Lesego Montso