On Saturday, 10 October 2026, Waterfall City Park at the Mall of Africa will transform into an open-air sanctuary of contemporary African creativity. Marking four decades of cultural stewardship, the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair returns with an extraordinary convergence of fine art, haute lifestyle, and a powerhouse live music line-up led by acclaimed South African singer-songwriter Msaki.
For Msaki, whose artistry has long bridged the worlds of sound and visual expression, headlining this landmark 40th-anniversary celebration feels like a natural homecoming. Trained in fine art, graphic design, film photography, and curatorial practice, her performance promises a deeply textured performance that speaks directly to the visual narratives on display.
Joining her on stage is an elite musical roster: the three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, bringing their world-renowned harmony, vibrant color, and movement, alongside contemporary R&B sensation Elaine, who will close the afternoon with the soulful, magnetic energy that first captivated global audiences.
Forty Years of Championing African Visionaries
Far from a conventional, quiet gallery experience, the fair brings art into the open air, hosting an ambitious exhibition featuring the work of this year’s 12 Absa L’Atelier finalists. Over the past four decades, the platform has stood as a cornerstone for emerging continental talent, facilitating more than 21 mentorship programs, 70 international residencies, and supporting over 100 solo exhibitions.
This year’s announcement will mark a life-changing turning point for four standout artists:
Three Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors will each receive specialized masterclasses, four months of direct mentorship, a two-month South African art residency in 2027, and up to R100,000 toward materials for a solo exhibition within two years.
The Gerard Sekoto Award Winner will receive a prestigious three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris in 2027, followed by a solo exhibition in Johannesburg in 2028, supported by up to R100,000 for materials and framing.
“For 40 years, Absa L’Atelier Art has opened doors for emerging artists across Africa, and we want visitors to feel the impact of that legacy when they come to the fair,” says Dr. Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist and Art Curator at Absa Group. “We present the finalists’ work beyond the rigid walls of a gallery, inviting visitors to engage with it as part of a shared experience. They can pause at a piece, consider the story behind it, and see how an artist has interpreted the world around them. That is what excites me: the art becomes part of a conversation.”
Curated Lifestyle & Culinary Culture
Designed as an all-day immersive outing, the fair weaves fine art and music together with premium lifestyle touchpoints. Guests are invited to bring picnic blankets and settle onto the lush lawns of Waterfall City Park while exploring:
