Johnnie Walker afro exchange celebrates art, culture and connection at RMB latitudes art fair 2026

Johnnie Walker once again brought its bold and progressive creative platform, Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, to life at the 2026 edition of RMB Latitudes Art Fair, delivering an unforgettable celebration of contemporary African art, culture, conversation, and creativity at the picturesque Shepstone Gardens

As one of Johannesburg’s most culturally significant weekends, the RMB Latitudes Art Fair transformed Shepstone Gardens into an immersive cultural destination where art enthusiasts, collectors, creatives, and tastemakers gathered to experience contemporary African art in a dynamic, multi-sensory environment.

Known for its unique approach to experiencing art, RMB Latitudes Art Fair continues to move beyond the traditional fair format by allowing visitors to engage with art across distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces within Shepstone Gardens. From sculpture installations beneath Johannesburg’s autumn skies to curated exhibitions and meaningful conversations, the fair continues to cement itself as a standout event on the city’s cultural calendar.

At the heart of the experience was Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, which created meaningful cultural moments designed to inspire creativity and connection. Guests were invited to take part in the Afro Exchange Art experience, an interactive activation where attendees could paint and express their creativity while enjoying expertly crafted Johnnie Walker cocktails. The activation became a vibrant meeting point where art, self-expression, and modern luxury seamlessly converged.

“The alignment between RMB Latitudes Art Fair and Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange is rooted in a shared belief in progress through creativity and connection. RMB Latitudes Art Fair has consistently positioned itself at the intersection of culture, innovation, and art, making Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange a natural extension of that vision. Together, we are creating platforms where African creativity is not only showcased, but actively exchanged, experienced, and elevated in ways that reflect the future of culture on the continent,” says Ifeoma Agu. Group Head for Culture, Influencers & Advocacy at Diageo South West & Central Africa.

The program also featured the exclusive “Drinks with Dada” experience, where Johnnie Walker guests and cultural tastemakers gathered for cocktails and conversation with acclaimed Cape Town-based artist Dada Khanyisa. Dada Khanyisa presented a striking body of work that bent to fit its architectural environment, sparking unexpected dialogue and offering a thought-provoking artistic encounter that embodied the spirit of Afro Exchange.

Each year, RMB Latitudes Art Fair also spotlights a different African country through its International Focus programme, an initiative aimed at fostering cross-border artistic exchange and showcasing both emerging and established talent from across the continent.

The 2026 edition celebrated Nigeria, with RMB Latitudes and Yenwa Gallery producing a curated exhibition in Lagos before bringing the showcase to South Africa as part of the fair. This aligns seamlessly with Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, a platform dedicated to championing progressive African creativity, amplifying diverse voices and enabling meaningful collaboration, storytelling and cultural exchange across the continent.

Through Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, Johnnie Walker continues to champion progressive African creativity by creating spaces where art, storytelling, music, and culture collide, fueling meaningful exchange and celebrating the next generation of African excellence.