Art Blog

Standard Bank gives South Africans chance to own one-of-a-kind, original artwork

Collaboration with renowned artist Blessing Ngobeni gives one lucky South African the chance to own a valuable piece of original art

Standard Bank is putting its commitment and support of South African art on full display by creating a once-off opportunity for one lucky South African to own a unique, original Blessing Ngobeni artwork that will be placed at random in a copy of The Sunday Times on the 22nd of May 2022.

Having supported the Arts in South Africa for more than four decades, Standard Bank firmly believes that the country's art deserves to be in the hands of South Africans and continues to find new ways to make dreams possible as part of this support.

"We are excited to be working in collaboration with an artist of Blessing Ngobeni's stature, and to have created this opportunity for a member of the public to own an original piece of his work - should they pick up the lucky newspaper on the 22nd of course," says Desiree Pooe, Head of Sponsorship and Events at Standard Bank.

As the print run rolls out copies of the May 22nd edition Ngobeni will visit the media house and create - then insert - a brand-new artwork into one of the papers selected at random.

Much like the golden ticket in the beloved Roald Dahl's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', the artwork will be waiting for one lucky reader in their copy of the Sunday Times. Only, instead of a visit to Willy Wonka's factory, the winner of this draw will become the proud owner of an original iconic artwork that is bound to exponentially increase in value over the years.

More so, this initiative creates an unexpected opportunity to put a valuable piece of art into the hands of an everyday South African - decentralising access to art while creating excitement and buzz that encourages more people to take an interest in the cultural and commercial value of South Africa's arts industry.

Ngobeni embodies Standard Bank's ideal that if you work for it, 'It Can Be', and that innovation and perseverance are key to overcoming immense hurdles in life regardless of one's background. Born in Tzaneen, Limpopo, Ngobeni lived through a difficult childhood and subsequently ran away to Johannesburg at the age of 10. As a teenager, he became involved in petty crime and was arrested. During his time in jail, Ngobeni found a love and passion for art and unlocked his creative potential through the Tsoga (Wake Up) Arts Project. He turned this newly found passion into his career and path in life and went on to be awarded the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist award winner for visual art.

On Sunday 22 May, one out of 442 000 copies of The Sunday Times will contain this original artwork by Blessing Ngobeni. Who will be the next great collector of proudly South African art?