One&Only Cape Town Celebrates South African Talent With Art Conversations

One&Only Cape Town has partnered once again with respectedSouth African art dealer and collectorJoãoFerreira to introduce One&Only Art Conversations. The resort’s art-loving guests can look forward to seeing the best the country has to offer with João’s tailor-made tours that will take them around the city where they will discover up-and-coming as well as established galleries and exhibitions.

“The opening of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa later this year is going to have an enormous impact on contemporary art in Southern Africa,” says João Ferreira.“I am really looking forward to introducing guests to our artists and this amazing space which is located in the V&A Waterfront, and on the doorstep of One&Only Cape Town.”

Thanks to his access to both private and public art collections, relationships with curators and collectors throughout the country, and an infectious enthusiasm for the world in which he operates, João is perfectly placed to introduce would-be buyers to the right people and pieces. His One&Only Art Conversations excursions are tailor-made with the interests and needs of each guest in mind, whether they are embarking on a South African art collection journey, looking for specific pieces, or want a unique view of the city’s art world, museums and galleries.

“African Fine Art is bigger than it has ever been,” says João, who explains that the board members from Tate Modern and the Guggenheim have visited the city and increasingly, international museums, foundations and private collectors are showing more interest in African art. “Cape Town is an exciting gateway into that arena,” he says.

Good news for would-be-collectors and Art Conversations participants wanting to enjoy the city’s social scene whilst getting a taste of the local art world, Joãois incredibly well connected and is the perfect host for guests who would like to experience the city of Cape Town. From First Thursdays, a festive open-house gallery evening held on the first Thursday evening of every month in the CBD to The Cape Town Art Fair which commences on 19 February, guests are given an insider’s view of the Cape Town art scene in an intimate and laidback context, with the most knowledgeable chaperone possible.


Since 2011, one of South Africa’s most highly regarded curators and art advisors, João Ferreira is the go-to for guests at One&Only Cape Town wanting to get up close and personal with the local art world. With art dealers and collectors from around the globe descending on South Africa with increasing regularity, there is no doubt that the southern tip of Africa is an excellent place to invest in art and João offers an unparalleled introduction and insight into this creative hotbed of activity.

“Each One&Only Art Conversation is specifically created around the guests and their interests, be it a medium, genre or period. It’s a fascinating process and they have led myself and my clients to so many amazing emerging and established artists and design studios, including glass and ceramics studios and blacksmith forges,” says João.“Auction previews and other exciting happenings on the arts calendar also now feature, and it’s wonderful to share the energy of the city and its extraordinary talents with people who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to do so.”

“As a private consultant and dealer with a focus on connoisseurship and collector motivation, I have designed these sojourns not simply to showcase works, but rather to encourage discourse. They provide a unique opportunity to establish and enrich collections,” says Joãoabout his passion for sharing his extensive knowledge.“I also offer the service of brokering deals on a collector’s behalf – whether it is through a gallery or auction house. I also manage all arrangements and oversee the packing, shipping and installation.”