“South Africa is fast becoming the African continent’s art and design capital” – FORBES, August 2020.

The art scene in South Africa has been thriving over the past few years and we’ve been keeping our finger on the pulse.  We asked our interesting partners Michelle Snaddon and Elana Brundyn to tell us more about what’s new – and also why they’ve decided to launch a new collection of art villas for traveler stays.

What’s buzzing and new?

Elana – The strong commercial gallery system in Cape Town has expanded dramatically in the last few years and has supported the successful careers of artists from the continent. Galleries, such as Stevenson, SMAC, What-if-the-World, THK and more. Alongside the Iziko South African National Gallery, a public museum, important private institutions have been established in Cape Town in the last five years, like Norval Foundation, A4 Arts Foundation, Rupert Museum, Boschendal Gallery and Zeitz MOCAA. These institutions play an essential role in exhibiting and critically engaging with artists’ work. Cape Town also hosts the successful Investec Cape Town Art Fair every February. The dynamic auction house, Aspire Art, opened a beautiful new exhibition space in an old monastery in late 2021 in the Foreshore area of Cape Town. They focus both on the secondary market and supporting artists and curators. So what is interesting about the Cape Town art scene? How dynamic it is and how quickly it changes.

What is exciting about your new Art House Collection?

Michelle – With our collective experience in the art, media and travel industry, we know the insiders and there’s nothing better than seeing a destination through their eyes. We’ve curated a collection of stunning villas across South Africa often owned by stylists, magazine editors, architects, interior designers or art collectors in their own right, each one offering an immersive lifestyle experience. We don’t generally do ‘art tours’, preferring instead to curate a bespoke experience that cannot be found elsewhere. These are never published because they are time-specific and designed especially to the interest of the guest. Through these experiences we connect travelers with insiders in the industry, going behind the scenes, introducing you to gallerists and artists, or simply putting together an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a serious collector or wanting to discover new works.

Elana Brundyn – her career in the cultural industry spans more than 20 years. She has been instrumental in launching two of Africa’s most prominent museums: Zeitz MOCAA and Norval Foundation.

Michelle Snaddon – an exclusive-use villa specialist, Michelle was involved in the media industry for over 20 years, 14 of which were spent at two of the country’s most beautiful lifestyle magazines. She then pursued her passion and joined the tourism industry six years ago, focusing on exclusive-use homes and safaris.