RMB Latitudes Art Fair announces a strategic partnership with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) for INDEX 2026 – a successful platform dedicated to independent and emerging artistic practices.

Since its inception, INDEX has been central to RMB Latitudes’ mission to make art fairs more accessible – challenging the traditional model that typically limits participation to gallery-represented artists. As one of the first fairs to meaningfully open its platform to independent practitioners, RMB Latitudes has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of expanding access within the art market.

This partnership with the NAC builds on that foundation, introducing a progressive model that connects public arts funding with tangible market opportunities. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that artists are not only supported, but actively integrated into the commercial and professional ecosystems that sustain long-term careers.

INDEX has already demonstrated real impact: artists previously featured on the platform have gone on to secure gallery representation in subsequent years – underscoring its role as a launchpad for career advancement.

The partnership also aligns with the NAC’s mandate to support, develop, and promote the arts by creating meaningful opportunities for emerging and independent artists. Through INDEX 2026, the NAC will enhance artist visibility, facilitate market access and support professional development by connecting artists to collectors, curators and broader audiences. The collaboration further advances the NAC’s commitment to fostering innovation, diversity and inclusion within the arts sector, while strengthening sustainability and long-term career growth for artists.

Presented within RMB Latitudes 2026, INDEX will bring together a dynamic selection of artists from across the continent. The exhibition will include both a curated presentation within the Latitudes programme and artists selected through the NAC’s open call process – creating a layered and inclusive platform for discovery.

Participating artists will benefit from visibility across both the physical fair and Latitudes Online, engaging local and international audiences while extending exposure beyond the fair itself.

With this collaboration, INDEX is further strengthened as a national platform for independent artistic practice – and a model for how institutions and art fairs can work together to expand access, visibility, and meaningful pathways into the market.