Applications Close: August 24 2026
The KZNSA Gallery is proud to be one of the host organisations for the 2026 RMB TALENT UNLOCKED PROGRAMME, an initiative dedicated to supporting and developing the next generation of South Africa’s emerging creative talent. Known for helping to launch and strengthen the careers of emerging artists across a range of artistic practices, RMB Talent Unlocked provides young creatives with valuable opportunities to develop their practices, build professional networks and gain meaningful experience within South Africa’s visual arts sector.
For 2026, the programme is hosted by KZNSA Gallery in Durban, alongside Artist Proof Studio and Bag Factory Studios x Umhlabathi in Johannesburg.
An Opportunity For KZN Artists
As the KwaZulu-Natal host organisation, the KZNSA Gallery encourages emerging
visual artists based in KwaZulu-Natal to apply. The programme is designed for
full-time practising artists ready to take the next step in developing their
artistic practice and building a sustainable career in the arts.
Successful participants will have access to:
- Studio space for the duration of the programme
- Entrepreneurial Capacity-building and professional development
- Mentorship from experienced curators and established arts professionals
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to full-time practising visual artists looking to
deepen their practice, expand their professional networks and build a
sustainable career in the arts.
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
-Be a full-time practising artist with a strong portfolio
-Hold South African citizenship and be able to be regularly working from
the studio
- Between the ages of 18 to 35 years of age.
- Must have a minimum of a NQF 4 qualification e.g. Grade 12 or higher.
- Not be represented by a gallery and not yet had a solo exhibition.
- Commit to having no prior obligations with other galleries or shows
from August 2026 to November 2026.
- Acceptance into the RMB Talent Unlocked 2026 programme necessitates
full availability to engage in the project and attend all scheduled mentorship
and capacity-building sessions.
- Commit to an exclusive 1-week face-to-face programme in Gauteng (transportation
and accommodation will be provided) in October/November 2026.
- Non-attendance or failure to meet deliverables may result in attrition
from the programme.
* Please read application
instructions carefully!
Applications Close: August 24 2026
For more information, contact talent.unlocked@firstrand.co.za
and ensure the subject line is RMB Talent Unlocked.
Any applications sent via email will be deleted!
APPLY HERE
https://www.talentunlocked.firstrand.co.za/?utm_rce=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaenIJ_IkFP6N3x_ykjSFC9W45LyRzarz39jVzpCg1_9kksdJZ-3FaFuMJDg6w_aem_dLHQmd1SUDFhGLaiHwIMzA
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