When Elana Brundyn stepped down as CEO of Cape Town’s prestigious Norval Foundation museum and into an advisory role last year, her plan was to enjoy some R&R. But Brundyn, one of Africa’s preeminent art entrepreneurs, found it hard to sit idle. So she opened her Rolodex, filled with names like Wim Botha and Cinga Samson, two of South Africa’s leading contemporary artists, and embarked on a project to connect the country’s creative scene with the millions of travelers who visit each year.
The result is Art House Collection, an exclusive portfolio of high-end, art-focused villa rentals across South Africa. “There are so many beautiful homes that are not properly visible,” Brundyn says. “We make sure we match the houses with people who will respect them. That is very important to us.”
There are currently 45 properties, ranging from a ceramics-filled dwelling outside Cape Town, owned by two floral designers, to a safari lodge in Madikwe with interiors by design star Andrea Kleinloog and work by sculptor Edoardo Villa and artist Lady Skollie. Even though most of the homes are vacation properties, persuading aesthetes to rent them out hasn’t always been easy. “It’s a process,” says Brundyn, meaning that she needs to deal with each owner differently to make them feel comfortable about opening their homes to travelers.
In addition to the rental, Art House Collection includes one-off art-focused experiences curated by Brundyn, thanks to her access to the community. That translates to private studio visits or a helicopter over Table Mountain. She hopes to expand Art House across the continent, including to Ghana, where she has excellent relationships with artists and collectors.
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Pride of place
Art House Collection founder Elana Brundyn shares four African art destinations that showcase the continent’s talent
Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation, South Africa
The institute, located in a striking glass-and-brick building, has an incredible collection (it has showcased artists such as Kamala Ibrahim Ishag, from Sudan, and Jane Alexander, from South Africa) with a strong focus on women.
Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute, Kenya
Established in 2020 by painter Michael Armitage, the nonprofit is in the process of developing a comprehensive archive of East African art and has fast become a hub for the city’s creative scene, offering seminars.
Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Ghana
Old airplanes have been overhauled into classrooms at this artist-run space that promotes Ghanaian works. Author and installationist Ibrahim Mahama, who started the center, has placed importance on education and research.
Singita Safari Lodges
This new gallery concept at lodges in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa works with local artists like Athi-Patra Ruga, bringing fine art to the remote bush—not unlike Donald Judd’s Chinati Foundation in Marfa.
This article appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
