SMAC Gallery has become a go-to destination for contemporary and modern art in Cape Town. Nestled on the first floor of the historic De Wet building in Stellenbosch, SMAC has earned a stellar reputation since its grand opening in 2007. Known for its museum-quality exhibitions, SMAC provides an exceptional platform for established and emerging artists from South Africa and beyond.
At SMAC, they believe in the power of international exchange. We’ve proudly hosted renowned global artists like Richard Long and Gommar Gilliams, alongside talented African artists such as Cyrus Kabiru. Our artist residency programs in Cape Town and abroad offer unique opportunities for creative growth and cultural exchange.
Making Waves on the Global Stage
SMAC regularly attends major international art fairs, including Art Basel, Artissima in Turin, 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, and Loop in Barcelona. Their commitment to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art has cemented Cape Town’s status as a thriving art hub. They have launched the careers of many promising artists like Simphiwe Buthelezi and Wallen Mapondera. Since their debut at VOLTA9 in Basel in 2013, they have consistently participated in over ten prestigious international art fairs annually. The standout solo presentation of Buthelezi’s work at Paris+ par Art Basel 2023 is a testament to their impact.
Back in the heart of Cape Town
November 2023 marked an exciting chapter for SMAC as they celebrated their return to Cape Town’s vibrant City Centre. The new flagship gallery started with the dynamic group exhibition “Back In Town.” Over the past 17 years, they have championed Southern African artists, and now, they are sharpening the focus on Cape Town—a city rapidly becoming a global art hotspot.
Cape Town’s art scene is booming with prestigious institutions like the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, the Norval Foundation, not to mention a host of dynamic local galleries. Their new central location places us amid this bustling cultural landscape.
Artistic Vision
SMAC Gallery is dedicated to discovering and nurturing new talent. They emphasise materiality, abstraction, and experimental practices, strongly representing women artists, including Michaela Younge, Mary Sibande, and Marlene Steyn. Above all, they are passionate about building recognition for Southern African artists.
With a reinforced presence in Cape Town, SMAC Gallery is set to elevate the careers of their artists even further, right from the heart of this thriving artistic community. Pop in and experience the vibrant pulse of contemporary art in Cape Town.
