Nando's and Spier Arts Trust · 1-54 London 2026
Meet the artists
Creative Block
The Creative Block invites established and emerging artists to create work on a small blank block. The blocks are submitted for critique, and the best are purchased for resale to corporate patrons and the general public. Collectors then choose several blocks and hang them together, building an impactful, collective artwork that has the potential to be greater than the sum of its parts.
The Creative Block offers artists a vital revenue stream. Artists can submit blocks every month and if selected, they get paid for them immediately. For many artists, this income covers their basic expenses and enables them to continue operating as full-time artists. The project also gives artists the opportunity to expand their creativity and artistic territory, and gain considerable exposure by connecting with art collectors worldwide.
Our work
Programmes and spaces
Entry point
Creative Block
Since 2004, Creative Block has been a way in for Southern African artists. Each artist transforms a small blank block in any medium, and the strongest works are bought and paid for within 48 hours. Hung together, the blocks build into striking walls of contemporary art.
Shop Creative Blocks
Cape Town
HUB Gallery
Our gallery at Union House, the heritage building in central Cape Town that is home to the Trust. HUB Gallery shows exhibitions by the artists we work with, and is a place to see new work up close and buy directly from our programmes.
Cape Winelands
Spier Art Gallery
Year-round exhibitions in the historic Old Wine Cellar at Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch. The gallery is free to visit and open every day, bringing contemporary Southern African art to the many people who visit the estate.
Visit Spier Art Gallery
Since 2011
Nando's Creative Exchange
A yearly career development programme run with Nando's South Africa. Each year it takes selected artists further, with opportunities to develop their practice, make new work and reach new audiences and collectors.
Art fairs
Near and far
Every October since 2015, Nando's and Spier Arts Trust have brought Southern African artists to 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London. Closer to home, we take part in Latitudes, KKNK, Woordfees and Solo Studios.
See 1-54 London 2026
Artists and artisans
HUB Studios
Our mosaic and bead artisans make large-scale and site-specific work, from public pieces like the mosaics at Spier to commissions for businesses and private clients.
The team
The people behind the Trust
Mirna Wessels
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2015, Mirna has led the Trust and its multidisciplinary team, shaping its strategic direction, partnerships and programmes around a guiding principle: keeping artists at the centre of everything it does. Under her leadership, the long-running curatorial partnership behind the Nando’s Art Collection has grown to one of the largest sustained investments in contemporary Southern African art.
Tamlin Blake
Chief Curator
Tamlin oversees the acquisition of artworks for diverse collections and leads initiatives that support artists at pivotal stages of their careers. She conceives artist career development programmes, guides participant selection, and works closely with artists to engage with and advance their contemporary practices. As a practising mixed-media artist, her own exploration of materiality, storytelling, and identity informs a thoughtful and artist-centred curatorial approach.
Tammy Job
Enterprise Services Manager
Since 2015, Tammy has led initiatives at Spier Arts Trust that advance artist development and empowerment, overseeing exhibitions, artist experiences, and studio collaborations that open pathways for artists to grow, connect and thrive. She brings a people-centred approach to foster human potential, while ensuring artists remain at the heart of every programme and partnership.
Frances Ward
Supply Chain Manager
Frances oversees the organisation's operations and supply chain functions, managing procurement, logistics, inventory, warehousing, and data systems that underpin its day-to-day activities. She also stewards the heritage building the Trust occupies in central Cape Town, ensuring that its people, resources, and spaces are equipped to support artists and the organisation's wider mission.