Sponsor's statement

Standard Bank is delighted to partner with the V&A to present Figures & Fictions: Contemporary South African Photography. Since its founding in Port Elizabeth in 1862, the Bank has become a deeply rooted part of South Africa, with representation in 17 African countries, as well as many others abroad.

In addition to its significant Corporate Art collection, the Standard Bank Gallery was opened in 1990 in the heart of downtown Johannesburg to showcase local and international art. It also hosts the annual Standard Bank Young Artist Award. Three of the participants in Figures and Fictions have been recipients of this prestigious award (Nontsikelelo Veleko, 2008; Pieter Hugo, 2007 and Berni Searle, 2003). Standard Bank continues its commitment to introducing audiences to emerging artists and reflecting the diversity of the arts in Africa.