Standard Bank’s role in promoting the arts is extensive and wide-ranging. The sponsorship of the Standard Bank Gallery, the Standard Bank Corporate Art Collection, the Standard Bank African Art Collection, the National Arts Festival, the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz have been sustained over many years.

Through these sponsorships, audiences have been introduced to emerging artists, gazed in awe at the works of leading artists, and reflected on the diversity of the arts in South Africa. Since 2000, Standard Bank has also brought world-class exhibitions of works by the great 20th century masters such as Chagall, Miro and Picasso to South Africa. In this way, Standard Bank has played a fundamental role in advancing and integrating South Africa into the international art world.

Collectively, these arts sponsorships have not only benefited the broader South African community, but also played a role in energising the Standard Bank brand, making it more visible, interesting and relevant. This, in turn, has enhanced Standard Bank’s image as an institution that nurtures cultural development.