In 2019 the Standard Bank Art Collection celebrates its 40th anniversary and as part of the celebrations the gallery is drawing on its vast African art collection to showcase an incredible breadth of influential and significant historical African art. One of the largest classical African art collections in the Southern Hemisphere, Standard Bank's art collection contains more than 5,000 objects from across Africa such as wood figurines, drums, masks, clothing, ceramics, beadwork and objects used in rituals. 

The collection was launched in 1979 in partnership with Wits University to preserve the fast-disappearing cultural heritage of Africa's diverse communities. As Africa's black population rapidly urbanised cultural traditions and unique artistic skills were beginning to die out across the continent, and with foreign collectors and dealers gaining an interest in traditional African artistry, it was clear that unless concerted efforts were made, the continent's rich art history would survive only in the collections of western museums. Happily Standard Bank's commitment to preserving Africa's art history continues to this day, with the African art collection now one of the biggest in the world.

 As part of the exhibition there are free exhibitions walkabouts taking place on Sat June 22 and Sat June 29 at 10:00.