A Movement Rooted in Art and Legacy
Launched in 2020 by BMW Group South Africa and FNB Art Joburg, the BMW Young Collectors Co. was created to spark a new wave of African art collectors. Targeting executives, entrepreneurs and creatives under 40, the club has offered members something few others can access: intimate moments with leading artists, curators and collectors, plus insider knowledge of how the African contemporary art market works.
Over five years, more than 1,500 young leaders have taken part in over 30 exclusive events across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. These moments of connection not only fuel a passion for collecting but also empower members to support artists in ways that shape the cultural future of the continent.
Beyond Young Collectors: An Intergenerational Shift
While the Young Collectors Co. successfully seeded tomorrow’s patrons, the next step was inevitable. Enter The BMW Collectors Co., which opens its doors to seasoned collectors over 40. This evolution ensures that the ecosystem benefits from intergenerational dialogue—where experience, resources and networks meet fresh perspectives.
The result? A more balanced, sustainable and resilient art market, built on continuity and shared purpose.
The BMW Art Generation: Where the Public Joins In
Not all of BMW’s cultural programming is behind closed doors. To share the magic with the wider public, the company and FNB Art Joburg launched The BMW Art Generation—a vibrant annual gathering that combines art, performance, design and lifestyle.
The first two editions have featured exhibitions, open studios, monumental performances, luxury food and wine stalls, and talks with international art heavyweights. Music takes centre stage too: audiences have enjoyed live sets from South African icons such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Msaki and Muneyi, transforming the event into a true cultural festival.
The third edition of The BMW Art Generation takes place on 30 August 2025 at NIROX Sculpture Park, promising another unforgettable celebration of African creativity.
Collecting as Cultural Legacy
For both the Young Collectors and Collectors Co., the mission goes beyond acquiring art. It’s about building personal legacy and safeguarding cultural heritage. As FNB Art Joburg’s Managing Director Mandla Sibeko explains, “Culture thrives when shared.”
By engaging both emerging and established collectors, BMW and FNB Art Joburg are ensuring that contemporary African art not only survives—but thrives, evolves and claims its rightful place on the global stage.