Standard Bank Offshore explains why supporting creativity, culture and talent can help to connect communities across borders
FOR Standard Bank Offshore, supporting Africa goes beyond everyday banking. It is about storytelling and backing ideas, creativity, talent and initiatives that celebrate African identity, culture and connection on an international stage.
Nine Voices, a new London-based exhibition supported by Standard Bank Offshore, brought together artists whose work explores heritage, identity and lived experience through a wide range of creative forms.
Opened on 3 June at 31 Saint George Street, Nine Voices is the inaugural exhibition of the Akoje Residency and The King’s Foundation Artist-in-Residence Programme.
Curated by Claire St Clair, the exhibition brought together work created by artists who have completed the Akoje Residency at Dumfries House in Scotland, headquarters of The King’s Foundation.
The residency was launched in 2024 by Akoje Residency, co-founded by England and British & Irish Lions rugby captain Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar. Established as a non-profit initiative, its purpose is to provide artists from African and Caribbean diaspora communities with time, space and support to develop their practice and build new creative opportunities.
Since then, the programme has grown through a partnership with Qatar Museums, welcoming artists from the SWANA region and expanding the cultural dialogue at the heart of the residency.
For the artists involved, the experience is about far more than producing artwork.
Set within the 2,000-acre Dumfries House estate in Ayrshire, the residency gives artists dedicated time away from the pressures and distractions of daily life. Surrounded by landscape, heritage and craftsmanship, participants are able to explore ideas, experiment and refine their work in a setting designed to encourage creativity and reflection.
Alongside studio space and accommodation, artists have access to interdisciplinary workshops spanning fashion, gardening, wellbeing and traditional heritage crafts. The result is an environment where artistic practice and personal growth sit side by side.
Nine of the 13 artists who have completed the residency featured in Nine Voices, representing countries including Nigeria, South Africa, France/Cameroon, Bahrain and Qatar.
Together, their work spanned painting, sculpture, terracotta, charcoal, printmaking and mixed media. While each artist brings a distinct voice and perspective, the exhibition created a wider conversation around memory, place, identity and transformation.
For visitors, Nine Voices offered more than an opportunity to view contemporary art. It provided a window into stories and experiences shaped by different cultures and geographies, brought together in one shared exhibition space.
For Standard Bank Offshore, supporting Nine Voices is a natural fit. Standard Bank Group is the largest bank in Africa by assets and has long championed initiatives that strengthen connections with the continent, advocate for the arts and celebrate African voices globally.
Charles Molteno, chief executive at Standard Bank Jersey, said the exhibition reflected values that are important to the organisation.
He explained: “Standard Bank has long recognised the power of art to connect communities, preserve heritage and inspire new ways of thinking. Supporting initiatives such as the Akoje Residency reflects our commitment to cultural investment that creates meaningful social impact.
“The residency’s charitable model, reinvesting into future artists and creating opportunities for underrepresented creative voices, aligns closely with our belief that the arts are essential to building more inclusive and globally connected societies.
“We are proud to have supported the Nine Voices exhibition and celebrate the conversations and opportunities this programme has created.”
That charitable element is a key part of the exhibition’s story. Artwork displayed at Nine Voices will be available to purchase, with proceeds shared equally between the artists and Akoje Residency. Half of the funds raised will go directly to the artists, while the remaining proceeds will be reinvested into the residency to help support future participants and ensure the programme can continue to grow.
For Maro Itoje, the exhibition represents a long-term vision.
“Through Akoje, our aim is to create pathways for artists to develop their practice, build meaningful networks and reach new audiences. This project with The King’s Foundation and Qatar Museums reflects that mission,” he said.
Although Nine Voices opened in London, its message travels much further. Through partnerships that support creativity, cultural exchange and emerging talent, the exhibition highlights how art can connect people and communities across borders.
By supporting initiatives such as Nine Voices, Standard Bank Offshore is helping ensure important stories, perspectives and artistic voices continue to be seen, shared and celebrated around the world.
Standard Bank Jersey Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Standard Bank House, 47-49 La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4SZ. Registered in Jersey No 12999. Standard Bank Offshore Group is registered in Jersey No 43694. Standard Bank Offshore Group Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Bank Group.
