There’s More Than Just Art at RMB Latitudes

RMB Latitudes Art Fair, 2023, photography by Alexander Smith

Yes, RMB Latitudes is an art fair – but it’s also a celebration of lifestyle, creativity, and community. Set in the lush, terraced gardens of Shepstone Gardens this May, the fair unfolds under crisp autumn skies, offering more than just a visual feast. It’s a full-day experience that invites you to linger: to taste, sip, explore and unwind.

A Culinary Playground

Between gallery booths and sculptural installations, you’ll find an open-air food offering that rivals Joburg’s best weekend markets. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a long, lazy lunch on the lawn, the fair’s food lineup has something for every palate.

Start with Coalition’s cult-favourite Neapolitan-style pizzas, known for their perfectly blistered crusts and bold flavours. Then head to Mastro for deli delights like arancini and beautifully packed picnics – ideal for sprawling out on a blanket with a glass in hand. For something fresh and zesty, Soul Souvlaki brings its much-loved Greek street food, while Il Contadino turns out some of their signature dishes made with that same rustic flair the Parktown North eatery is known for - think burgers, prego rolls and pasta dishes. And don’t skip dessert – Baglio is serving up creamy, artisanal ice cream that’ll make you feel like summer’s not quite over.

Raise a Glass

Of course, no Fair day is complete without a drink in hand. Sip on Aperol Spritzes, pour a glass of Haute Cabrière’s finest MCC, rehydrate with Awari mineral water or discover a new favourite from Clink, who are showcasing a selection of small-batch, artisanal South African wines.

CLINK Wine Tastings
Join CLINK daily at 12:30 and 16:30 for guided wine experiences at the CLINK stands.

Gabrielskloof showcases its bold and experimental Project Series, including Amphora Sauvignon Blanc, Wholebunch Syrah and Madam Lucy Bubbles, crafted on extreme terrain with minimal intervention.

Carinus Family Vineyards presents a Chenin-focused journey, from gateway wines to standout expressions like Rooidraai Chenin and Syrah, all rooted in five generations of winemaking tradition and unique South African soils.

Creative Calm for Kids

The fair isn’t just for grown-ups. This year’s Kids Area is designed as a calm, nurturing space for little ones to tap into their own creativity. Think low-key, tactile, and joyful activities – threading beaded bracelets, decorating pebbles, weaving small wool creations, or making gentle creatures from natural materials. Kids can stay as long or as short as they like, moving between activities at their own pace.

The emphasis is on sustainability, co-creation, and connection to nature – echoing the fair’s broader themes and embracing the magic of outdoor, open-ended play.

Designed and run by the Imbali Visual Literacy Project, a leading arts education organisation in South Africa and known for empowering young people through hands-on, culturally rooted art education. Imbali brings their signature care and thoughtfulness to every detail of this offering.

Children visiting the Fair are invited to explore their creativity through a series of gentle, low-tech activities such as threading beaded necklaces and bracelets, pebble decorating with acrylic pens, weaving on cardboard bases, and crafting small creatures using natural or found materials. 

In a beautiful extension of this ethos, Imbali has partnered with sustainable floral artist Emely van Heesch for a special feature: an installation of ceramic portrait heads made by Imbali’s senior students, adorned with sculptural floral arrangements by Emely. These striking pieces – a blend of youthful vision, craftsmanship and nature – will be on display and available for purchase, with proceeds going toward bursaries for Imbali students.

Together, these offerings highlight the value of nurturing creativity from an early age – and the power of collaboration to shape beauty with purpose.

Visit the Kids Playground on the Gardens side of the property, opposite the Manor House

Come for the art. Stay for the vibe.

Whether you’re gallery-hopping, wine-sipping, or pebble-painting, RMB Latitudes offers a soulful, sensory-rich experience that reflects the best of Joburg’s creative energy. Come hungry, curious, and ready to soak it all in.