This historic-artistic collaboration means that visitors will be welcomed by a contemporary collection of art from Norval Foundation that contrasts with the Boschendal Manor House’s rich history, providing a nuanced experience for art lovers.
The first year’s programming will be drawn from Norval Foundation’s Homestead Collection, which features artists from across Africa, but with a strong Southern Africa representation. Exhibitions will rotate every three to four months and admission is free.
Boschendal Wine Estate and Norval Foundation this week formally announced the establishment of a l partnership that will introduce guests visiting the much-loved historic Winelands farm to some of South Africa, and the continent’s, top artists. The partnership will see the establishment of a series of satellite art exhibitions hosted at Boschendal’s historic Manor House and surrounding grounds. Respected as one of the country’s oldest farms, with deep cultural and community roots stretching back to 1685, Boschendal’s collaboration with Norval further reflects the farm’s commitment to celebrating emerging creative talent through arts and culture.
Somnyama Ngonyama: Zanele Muholi
“The combination of Boschendal’s rich cultural heritage and the Norval Foundation’s unparalleled access to contemporary African art will create an extraordinary experience for all our guests,” says Georgie Davidson, CEO at Boschendal. “We are proud to introduce this unique showcase blending history, art and innovation, and look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to our historic farm to join us in celebrating inspiring South African and African creative talent.”
It should also be noted that Boschendal is a WWF Conservation Champion and with this particular blend of art and heritage they have created a prize winning varietal!
The Norval Foundation was founded in 2018 and has established itself as a premier centre for the research, education and exhibition of 20th and 21st-century visual art from South Africa and beyond.
“We are honoured to partner with Boschendal Wine Estate and especially proud to mark our first satellite project on this beautiful historical farm, to create more opportunities for learning through art and culture, and to reach a more expansive audience.,“ says Elana Brundyn, Education and Development Partner of Norval Foundation.
Kyle Morland
Owen Martin, Director and Chief Curator at the Norval Foundation adds: “We’re excited to be sharing Norval Foundation’s programming and collection with audiences in the Cape Winelands. In contrast to Norval Foundation’s contemporary site, Boschendal’s much longer history will encourage new readings of artworks displayed there while also challenging the curatorial team to come up with innovative solutions.”
In addition to the museum-quality exhibitions on show in the Manor House, a bespoke art retail section will be introduced alongside it and will include, to start with, unique clay vases by designer and sculptor Githan Coopoo specifically created for Boschendal. The exhibition Githan Coopoo: Structural Integrity will be the artist’s first solo exhibition. The art retail offering is a perfect complement to the farm’s recently launched omnichannel retail offering that delivers a selection of locally sourced goods to South African homes.
Work has been completed on a sensitive renovation and restoration of the historic Manor House. In consultation with specialists from Cape Heritage, Boschendal and its architect partners have made temporary changes to the Manor House’s interior to accommodate the art displays and an anticipated increased footfall from visitors excited to see the Norval satellite art exhibitions at the farm.
WHAT: The Norval Foundation and Boschendal’s first historic-artistic collaboration exhibition is now on display at Boschendal. Admission is free to all visitors.
WHAT & WHEN: Somnyama Ngonyama: Zanele Muholi 8 December 2021 – 27 February 2022 | Because of you: Kyle Morland 8 December 2021 – December 2022
WHERE: Manor House, Boschendal Wine Estate, R310, Franschhoek 7680
INFO:  Boschendal Estate | Norval Foundation Â
See also Cape Town Green Map
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the arts + crafts map
and listen in to the
Arts Round-Up Fridays @15:45
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
