In this episode of the Latitudes Podcast Refiloe Mpakanyane talks to Everard Read Cape Town Gallery Director, Emma van der Merwe from the dealer’s perspective, talking about the quiet contracts that hold the art world together — trust, instinct, and love for the work itself. In this conversation, she lifts the curtain on the energy and potential driving South Africa’s art scene, reflecting on the delicate balance between representing artists and believing in their long game — with buoyancy at the heart of it all.

Emma’s interests in the arts was given the go ahead by her parents with only one condition: that she not walk in their footsteps. And differentiate herself she did! Emma grew up in Switzerland and France, and studied her Bachelors and Masters in Fine Art - at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, before completing a Master’s in Art Management at City University, also in London.

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There’s this incredible buoyancy in South Africa — the sense that something extraordinary is always just about to happen. - Emma van der Merwe

In this conversation she talks about how Slade gave her access to mentors, teachers and institutions that gave her nothing short of a ‘privileged start’. Even while this same start in the London Arts scene involved no hand holding or indeed involved no blueprint to growth or success. 

In 2011 Emma joined the SMAC Art Gallery as its curator when its Cape Town doors were opened. Her next notable move was in July 2014 when Emma joined Everard Read Gallery Cape Town, as their Head Curator. In July 2018 she became a Director of the Gallery.

Emma talks at length about the energy, potential and allure of South Africa’s art industry which continue to enthral newcomers to our shores.

The conversation runs the gamut of nurturing artistic talent; best practice for representing artists; as well as Emma’s insights on forging and maintaining relationships with buyers. Emma also weighs in on collector trends and gives her take on their importance.

In sharing what she knows for sure - Emma comes up with a few slogans to live and work by: The vibes have got to be right!

Highlights Include:

• Studying at Slade and being mentored by DamePhyllida Barlow
• Starting out in the London art scenes and working at blue chip Galleries
• Getting to work with the likes of Damien Hirst, Sam Taylor Wood and Jenny Saville (among so many others)
• Deciding to come to South Africa and why the Cape Town ecosystem is compelling
• The key to artist and collector relationships

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

•  Slade School of Fine Art
• Goldsmiths
• St Martins
• White Cube
• Gagosian
• Ruth Proust
• Everard Read 
• Brett Seiler

Chapter 4 (Insights from the Collectors) spans episodes 9-11 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast. It takes a closer look at art collecting as both a cultural and financial practice. Featuring collectors, gallerists, and market experts, this chapter explores the nuances of taste, market influence, and the evolving role of collectors. 

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You can’t rush trust. It’s built in the quiet moments, the small consistencies — that’s the real work. – Emma van der Merwe

About the Latitudes Podcast

Hosted by dynamic broadcast journalist and penchant for the arts Refiloe Mpakanyane, The Latitudes Podcast, which is the only podcast dedicated to contemporary African art, is an immersive and engaging platform that builds a new layer of access to the contemporary visual arts from Africa.

Season two of the Latitudes Podcast offers a dynamic, in-depth exploration of the ‘art world’ in Africa through twelve curated episodes, structured across four interconnected themes. From artists and facilitators to curators, critics, and collectors, the series unpacks the industry’s inner workings, shedding light on creative journeys, market dynamics, art criticism, and the evolving role of patrons. This podcast serves as both a resource and a platform for critical discourse, bridging regional perspectives and shaping the future art from Africa and diaspora.

About Refiloe Mpakanyane

Refiloe Mpakanyane is a broadcast journalist, with a penchant for the arts. Known for her love and support of local African literature, art and artists, Mpakanyane has an Honours Degree from the Wits School of Journalism and majored in International Relations, Media Studies and English Literature for her undergrad. Her firm grounding in the critical, analytical and creative thinking of the humanities discipline has underpinned her passion for broadcasting, leading her to delve into working not only behind the scenes in radio and television production, but in front of the camera and hosting her own radio shows as well.

About Latitudes Online

Latitudes Online is the world's leading online marketplace for art from Africa. Discover and buy artworks from over 3,000 artists and enjoy editorial from leading voices on the continent. When you buy from Latitudes Online you have peace of mind that your artwork will be safely delivered to you in perfect condition. Click here to start your collecting journey.

About iTOO Artinsure

iTOO is a collective of industry leading experts across a range of special risk insurance offerings. Art and collectables are a fast growing asset class around the world. Representing years of value that could diminish in a matter of seconds, it’s critical to take the time to insure with an expert who understands the length and breadth of the industry. Damage, an increasing rise in cultural crime and forgery can translate to serious loss in terms of your appreciating works and collectables.

About Art School Africa

This year, Latitudes has joined forces with Art School Africa to co-curate this latest season of the podcast. A registered non-profit, Art School Africa supports artists across the continent. While Africa has a deep and complex artistic history, many artists still struggle to access global markets - Art School Africa works to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.

About Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.

12 Nov 2025