Nando’s: Igniting South African Art on the Global Stage

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Art, Creatives On The Rise, CSA Celebrates, Culture, Design, Lifestyle, New Talent, Trends

  • Nando’s Passion for South African Art: More Than Just Chicken
  • Showcasing and Promoting Art Events: Contra.Joburg and Beyond
  • The Nando’s Vusa Award: Fueling Artistic Careers
  • Inspiring Inner-City Renewal Through Art
  • Discovering New Talent: The Power of Social Media
  • Taking African Art to the World: International Collaborations & Exhibitions
  • The Impact of Nando’s Art Initiatives: Changing Lives Through Creativity

Nando’s, the popular restaurant chain known for its PERi-PERi chicken, has become an unexpected powerhouse in the South African art scene. Nando’s supports, encourages, nurtures, and propels contemporary South African art forward, showcasing the brand’s unique approach to cultural investment and promotion.

Nando’s Passion for South African Art: More Than Just Chicken

Nando’s commitment to South African art goes far beyond mere corporate sponsorship. The company has positioned itself as a major player in the art world, with a collection of over 25,000 artworks, making it the largest private collector of contemporary southern African art globally. This dedication stems from a belief that creativity has the power to change lives and shape communities.

Showcasing and Promoting Art Events: Contra.Joburg and Beyond

One of the key ways Nando’s supports the South African art scene is through its sponsorship of major events. A prime example is Contra.Joburg (formerly OpenStudios.Joburg), an immersive two-day visual arts experience in Johannesburg. This event, which Nando’s sponsors, invites the public to explore Johannesburg’s vibrant art scene, showcasing the city’s status as a global art capital.

The Nando’s Vusa Award: Fuelling Artistic Careers

Nando’s commitment to nurturing talent is exemplified by the Nando’s Vusa Award. This initiative provides a platform for artists to showcase their work online, offering the chance to win significant prizes. By leveraging social media and public engagement, the Vusa Award not only promotes individual artists but also raises the profile of South African art as a whole.

Inspiring Inner-City Renewal Through Art

Nando’s believes in “blooming where you’re planted,” and this philosophy extends to its involvement in urban renewal projects. The company partners with initiatives like Jozi My Jozi, which aims to bring hope and pride back to Johannesburg’s inner city. By supporting the arts and culture portfolio of such projects, Nando’s contributes to the revitalization of urban spaces through creativity.

Discovering New Talent: The Power of Social Media

In the digital age, Nando’s has embraced social media as a tool for discovering and promoting new artistic talent. The company’s “Next Hot Thing” competition, run across various social media platforms, invites creatives to share their work directly with Nando’s. This approach not only uncovers hidden gems but also provides emerging artists with valuable exposure and potential career opportunities.

Taking African Art to the World: International Collaborations

Nando’s commitment to South African art extends beyond national borders. The company actively works to showcase southern African creativity on the global stage. One notable example is Nando’s participation in the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, where it has provided a platform for South African artists to exhibit their work and connect with international collectors since 2015. Significantly, it has sold out all the Art.

Curating South African Art for International Exhibitions

Nando’s role in promoting South African art internationally culminated in a major exhibition at the African American Museum in Dallas, USA. Titled “If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future”. This exhibition featured nearly 90 pieces from over 60 southern African artists, many never before seen together. The landmark show not only introduced American audiences to the diversity and talent of South African art but also solidified Nando’s position as a significant cultural ambassador.

Curating an exhibition from a collection built over two decades and assembling pieces never seen together was an idea that came to life from the late philanthropist and businessman, Dick Enthoven, whose family has interests in Nando’s.

“To exhibit exemplary pieces from the Nando’s art collection that have never been seen together before introduced a broad range of South African talent to the United States. Attendees were immersed in the collections’ distinct aesthetics, while also engaged with universal themes of humanity, love, loss and hope for a better future,” says curator Laurie Ann Farrell.

The Impact of Nando’s Art Initiatives: Changing Lives Through Creativity

Nando’s multifaceted approach to supporting South African art has had a profound impact on both individual artists and the broader cultural landscape. By providing platforms for exposure, financial support, and international opportunities, Nando’s has helped to elevate the status of South African art on the global stage. In the process it has set a model for Corporate Cultural Engagement. The company’s commitment to art goes beyond mere sponsorship, representing a holistic approach to cultural investment. This model of corporate engagement with the arts serves as an inspiration for other businesses, demonstrating how commercial success can be leveraged to support and nurture creative communities.

Given the socio-economic global instability of late, sustaining the momentum of its artists’ endeavours has certainly proved tricky. While Nando’s has made significant strides in promoting South African art, challenges remain. Maintaining this level of support and finding new ways to engage with emerging artists in an ever-changing cultural landscape will be crucial for the continued success of these initiatives.

It does however have its Spicy Recipe for Artistic Success locked down, more successfully than government platforms. Nando’s unique blend of business acumen and cultural investment has created a powerful platform for South African art. By supporting artists at every stage of their careers, from social media discoveries to international exhibitions, Nando’s has become an integral part of the South African art ecosystem. As the company continues to innovate and expand its art initiatives, it’s clear that Nando’s is not just serving up lip service or spicy chicken, but also helping to shape the future of South African creativity and shift the Culture of Art.

Experience South African Art with Nando’s

For art enthusiasts and Nando’s fans alike, there are numerous ways to engage with the company’s art initiatives. From visiting Nando’s restaurants to see their curated collections, to participating in events like Contra.Joburg, or following their social media channels for the latest art discoveries, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the vibrant world of South African art through Nando’s unique lens.

C.S.A.’s monthly cultural portal, The WIRE connects the dots of culture. With concise stories, many with video content, take a premium dive into the world of African entertainment & cultural fluidity. It’s one thing to be hip to what’s happening but it is another to know why.

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