| Up-and-coming Local Artists Given a Platform To Impress South Africa’s Most Influential This weekend saw the return of the Nedbank International Polo after a two year hiatus. One of South Africa’s most prestigious equestrian and social occasions, saw our national team take on England at Johannesburg’s Inanda Club and come out victorious with a 6-5 win. Attendees were not only dressed to impress, but also did good by using their influence to shine a spotlight on the artists funded through the Nedbank Arts Affinity programme, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Trust, who exhibited their work under the New Nobility initiative. New Nobility, launched in 2019, aimed at turning the concept of ‘nobility’ into a virtue rather than a title, it’s about those who have reached the top to use their influence to help those that are just starting out. Through Nedbank’s #NewNobility initiative, and in line with the event’s dress theme, Reflections of Art, all Nedbank International Polo attendees were thus encouraged to see themselves as new nobles. This year, Nedbank, through its Arts Affinity programme, partnered with the Arts & Culture Trust to provide three deserving artists with the chance to exhibit, sell and showcase their impressive work in front of Nedbank’s #NewNobility. “The first instalment under the #NewNobilty banner encouraged support for small business and entrepreneurs who showcased their wares, and, in keeping with this view, this year, we challenged attendees to use their social influence to give emerging artists a leg up,” says Nedbank Group Executive: Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Khensani Nobanda. Arts Affinity beneficiaries, Nkosinathi Nzima (iNkosi uNathi), Rick Baloyi and Anja Erasmus were commissioned to create unique pieces of art inspired by #NewNobility, under the guidance of top Litema visual artist, Baba Tjeko, which were displayed at the Nedbank marquee on Saturday. Guests in attendance not only had the opportunity to purchase one of 10 prints with all proceeds going back to the artists, but they also witnessed Baba Tjeko create a one-of-a-kind art piece inspired by New Nobility. Anja Erasmus art piece, titled “Servant” was created as biblical view of new nobility, which compliments Nedbank’s vision to change Nobility from a title to a virtue. The art piece is a comparison of old vs new, Horse vs Donkey. The horse symbolises old nobility, while the donkey has no big title, yet serves others and have been so serviceable through time. iNkosi uNathi’s art piece, titled “Ancient African Teachers” is a representation of how ancient African people have always shared stories through writing and scripting on walls and rocks. Rick Baloyi’s view of new nobility is that nobility in today’s world, is determined by success without greed, and appreciation by giving back to society. His art piece, titled “Disruption” focuses on the concept of new nobility as the distinction between the rich and the wealthy – Mr. Krabs represents the rich, and the wealthy are represented by the figure that caries Mr. Krabs. “What a wonderful opportunity for our artists,” said Arts & Culture Trust Interim CEO, Jessica Denyschen. “South African art is some of the highest quality in the world and this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the immense ability held by our up and comers. All the guests helped us show SA the immense talent that exists in our local art world. Thank you to Nedbank for providing our artists with this great opportunity,” she added. The Nedbank Arts Affinity, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Trust, have supported the development of the arts over the past 28 years. Since it has started in 1994, Nedbank, together with its Arts Affinity clients, have donated more than R26 million to the Arts & Culture Trust for over 800 arts, culture and heritage development projects in South Africa, at no cost to clients. By simply linking your Nedbank Savings and/or Investment account, and Greenbacks to the Nedbank Arts Affinity, you can also support inspiring artists by banking and investing, at no cost to you. For more information, visit www.nedbankarts.co.za. |
