American Express sponsors First Thursdays at Keyes Art Mile in Johannesburg
American Express, operated in South Africa through its licensee Nedbank, amplifies its engagement with South Africa’s art community by sponsoring Johannesburg’s June edition of First Thursdays, taking place at Keyes Art Mile on 6 June.
This includes exclusive access for American Express Card Members to the MESH members club, where they will receive canapes and a special American Express First Thursdays Johannesburg cocktail for one night only. (This is available to the first 100 Card Members, so booking is essential. American Express Card to be presented on arrival. American Express Card Members book here).
The evening’s festivities will be set against the backdrop of the 2023 Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge winner, Mark Modimola’s artwork that spans the exterior facade of the building at Keyes Art Mile, ensuring even greater immersion for guests in the local art landscape.
This landscape includes new exhibition openings at BKhz, Origin Art, and Still Lives and Flowers in Gallery 1 inside Keyes Art Mile.
There will also be a panel discussion, hosted by IQOQO and the South African Cultural Observatory on creativity and AI. This begins at 17:30 and is free to attend. The discussion will centre on how AI within software can streamline workflows for creatives, and will be facilitated by Unathi Lutshaba (Executive Director of the South African Cultural Observatory). Panellists include Dr Sechaba Maape (architect and senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Architecture and Planning), Ilse van der Merwe (Manager: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Market Photo Workshop) and Kgosi Ntono (3D Animator, Producer and Founder of KN studios).
The June edition of First Thursdays will also see the Johannesburg launch of The Manor exhibition, Sibadala Sibancane. Showcasing the work of photographers Mikhailia Petersen and Lebogang Tlhako, the exhibition coincides with the launch of Reflecting B(l)ack, a photography book by The Manor. Curated by The Manor founder and award-winning artist, Trevor Stuurman, Reflecting B(l)ack features the works of lauded photographers from across the continent, including the likes of Andile Buka, Athi-Patra Ruga, Imraan Christian, and more. The Manor will also be running a photo booth at Keyes Art Mile, stop by and have your photo taken by these exceptional photographers, and stand a chance to win a copy of Reflecting B(l)ack. Share your photo on social media with #AmexFirstThursdays and tag The Manor and American Express South Africa.
This First Thursdays at Keyes Art Mile presents an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Once Removed by author and critic David Mann. This collection of 13 subtly interlinked stories inspired by the South African art world traverses the theatres, artist studios and archives that characterise the world of contemporary art and performance. On 6 June, guests can discuss and engage with the stories in situ alongside artworks and exhibitions.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, says: “By offering unique opportunities to engage with the arts, we aim to enhance the overall experience for Amex Card Members in South Africa while simultaneously contributing to the growth and sustainability of the local arts industry.”
“Our sponsorship of First Thursdays is driven by our belief in the importance of supporting the arts and in fostering greater engagement within our clients and community,” states Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing at Nedbank. “First Thursdays at Keyes Art Mile offers a dynamic opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural depth of Johannesburg and inspire its members to come together.” Learn more about American Express Cards at americanexpress.co.za
Exhibitions:
Exploring Figurative Expressions, Origin Art
Still lives and flowers, Exhibition in Gallery 1
Sibadala Sibancane, Exhibition in the Annex
Once Removed – Book signing by David Mann, Keyes Art Mile
Workshop HOSTed by the House of Special Things, Keyes Art Mile
