1 June 2025 @ 9:00 am – 29 August 2025 @ 4:30 pm
Sanlam Opens Its Vaults for a Celebratory 60-Year Art Retrospective
In a momentous tribute to six decades of artistic patronage, Sanlam is lifting the curtain on one of South Africa’s most distinguished corporate art collections. From 1 June to 29 August 2025, the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville will host two major exhibitions — Out of the Icebox and Manifesto — to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sanlam Art Collection.
Boasting over 2,000 works spanning from 1874 to the present day, the Sanlam Art Collection is now valued at an impressive R210 million. What began in 1965 as a humble initiative to decorate corporate offices has evolved into a vital archive of South Africa’s visual art heritage.
Out of the Icebox: A Journey Through Six Decades of Collecting
The headline exhibition, Out of the Icebox, takes visitors on a rich journey through time, showcasing 90 works acquired from 1965 to today. The aptly titled show refers to “defrosting” artworks that have been stored away or hidden in office corridors — offering the public a rare opportunity to encounter important yet rarely seen pieces.
This curated selection reads like a who’s who of South African art history, featuring icons such as:
- Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Walter Battiss, Maggie Laubser
- Gerard Bhengu, David Koloane, Alexis Preller, Simon Lekgetho
- Contemporary artists like Blessing Ngobeni, Frans Thoka, and Franz Asha Zero
“Out of the Icebox is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of South African creativity and a mirror to our collective history,” .
says Stefan Hundt, Curator of the Sanlam Art Collection
Manifesto: Art in the Age of Protest
Running parallel to Out of the Icebox, the second exhibition, Manifesto, is a compact but emotionally resonant showcase. Featuring 18 impactful works, the exhibition focuses on themes of protest, human rights, and democracy, offering a bold reflection on South Africa’s journey from apartheid to the present.
Installed to coincide with Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, and Youth Day, Manifesto challenges viewers to confront historical injustice and contemplate the socio-political currents shaping the country today.
Building a Cultural Legacy
Sanlam’s commitment to the arts was never merely aesthetic. Established during a period of political and cultural isolation in 1965, the collection was a strategic act of corporate citizenship, supporting artists whose voices were often sidelined. From its inception, an independent advisory committee curated the works — a decision that cemented the collection’s credibility and depth.
As Hundt notes, “Our gallery is not just a space to show art — it’s a space to reflect, to engage, and to confront the realities artists explore.”
With dedicated galleries in Bellville and Sandton, Sanlam continues to make space for bold, complex, and often challenging works that push beyond the confines of traditional corporate collections.
A Cultural Treasure for the Nation
While the collection’s market value exceeds R210 million, Hundt insists that its cultural value is immeasurable. “Like the Medicis of Renaissance Florence, Sanlam’s patronage leaves a permanent imprint on South Africa’s cultural history. These works are part of our national soul.”
Visitors to the exhibition will come away with a renewed appreciation for the depth, diversity, and global relevance of South African art.
“Our artists can hold their own on any stage in the world. This exhibition is proof.”
says Hundt
Plan Your Visit
- 🎟️ Admission: Free to the public
- 🗣️ Guided Tours: Available on request
- ✉️ Email: sanlamart@sanlam.co.za
- 📞 Phone: 021 947 3359
- 📱 WhatsApp: 083 457 2699
Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about South Africa’s visual heritage, Out of the Icebox and Manifesto promise a powerful, thought-provoking celebration of the country’s artistic legacy — and a rare glimpse into works that have shaped, mirrored, and challenged the nation for six decades.