A season for African Creativity has arrived at the Standard Bank Art Lab, and this year it’s all about colour, joy, getting hands-on with the magic of making, and giving. From 8 to 21 December, the Lab has come alive with interactive experiences that invite visitors to play, paint, explore and tap into the creative pulse that runs through the space. It’s festive, it’s energetic and it’s a celebration of African creativity at its brightest.
The programme sits alongside the SBYA Visual Art 1984 – NOW exhibition, currently showing at the Art Lab in Nelson Mandela Square until January 31, 2026. Marking 40 years of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award, the exhibition brings together works by 40 artists from across the decades, offering a vivid journey through South Africa’s visual art story — from its bold protest beginnings to the innovative, forward-looking work being created today. It’s an inspiring backdrop for a festive season dedicated to imagination, connection and community.
As visitors wander through the space, they’re encouraged to join in the fun by collecting exclusive vouchers that unlock different creative stations. One of the most popular is the festive card-making workshop, where anyone can sit down, unleash their inner artist and design their own handmade holiday card. Whether it’s bright patterns, playful shapes or something simple and heartfelt, each card becomes a little work of art to take home or share, though only 100 people get a spot each day, making the experience feel special.
Just a few steps away, the paint-your-own masterpiece station invites guests to choose a work from the SBYA Awards exhibition and reinterpret it in their own style. It’s a chance to experiment, splash some colour around and create something uniquely yours, with the same daily limit of 100 visitors adding to the intimate, creative atmosphere.
The festive spirit doesn’t stop at making art. A growing installation of artistic and practical gifts is taking shape in the Lab as visitors drop off small presents for a charity supporting children or creative youth programmes. Visitors are encouraged to donate school stationery and educational toys suitable for children in grades R to seven. It’s a simple act of kindness that adds heart to the season, reminding everyone that creativity and generosity often go hand in hand.
A Season for African Creativity is playful, welcoming and full of opportunities to dive in and make something memorable. Whether you come to give, explore the exhibition, try your hand at something new or simply soak up the atmosphere, the Standard Bank Art Lab offers a festive experience that celebrates the richness of African talent and the joy of sharing it.
The Standard Bank Art Lab is at shop 33-34, Nelson Mandela Square, 2 Maude St, Sandton. Undercover parking is available at Mandela Square, entrance on West St North Tower – (next to Michelangelo Hotel).
Art Lab hours:
Monday-Saturday: from 9am to 4.00pm.
Sunday and public holidays: from 9am to 1pm.
Entrance is free.
The Standard Bank Art Lab will be closed from 24 December and will reopen on 5 January 2026.
