Chelsea Selvan (CS): Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you land up doing what you're doing?

Annicia Manyaapelo (AM): Having worked at Zeitz MOCAA as Head of Marketing and Communications, I became acutely aware of how museums and art galleries are still intimidating for most people. And having spent the bulk of my career in Corporate, I still have friends who have money, are well traveled and live well. These accomplished women find it easier to walk into Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Chanel to buy expensive luxury bags yet find it daunting to spend money on art. These combined personal experiences led me to launch WomenWhoCollect with the aim of supporting Women in their Art collecting journey.

WomenWhoCollect during Investec Cape Town Art Fair

Attend exhibitions, artist walkabouts and art fairs. This will help you understand what type of works and artists move you and are worthy of your investment.

CS: If you had to give advice to a new collector or someone looking to start collecting - what is one thing you'd suggest?

AM: Contact us, we will help you get the information you need to start a collection. But also, attend exhibitions, artist walkabouts and art fairs. This will help you understand what type of works and artists move you and are worthy of your investment.

CS: As someone who has experience in marketing, what tips would you give to artists starting out for getting their work out there/being seen?

AM: Use social media to get your works seen and engage with potential collectors. Latitudes Online has a great platform that supports independent artists, so I would start there. Do small showcases and invite people to your studio.

Let people know you, hear your story and engage with your practice.

CS: What was the first artwork you collected?

AM: A friend bought me a Nandipha Mntambo (Praça de toros V) years ago and that was the first artwork I ever owned. 

Nandipha Mntambo, Praça de toros V, digital print

CS: What developmental areas can we focus on to realise a more inclusive arts ecosystem?

AM: Underserved groups: Black people in leading Art business roles, women collectors and artists and young people.

There’s so much that needs to be done to address Black people’s participation in the entire art ecosystem. We need concerted efforts from sponsors and funders to put money towards programmes like WomenWhoCollect who are doing the work, with zero funding, to expand Art accessibility.

Nandipha Mntambo, The Beloved VI, R156,520.00 excluding VAT, 2023,  ENQUIRE

CS: What are your six favourite works on Latitudes Online at the moment? And what drew you to those?

1. Siphokazi Mlangeni, Ukuzihlola Ntombi 

6. Cinthia Mulanga, Outgrow silk scarf 

CS: What art events are you looking forward to in the coming year (2025)?

AM: CapeTown Art Fair in February and all the exciting WomenWhoCollect events around it, followed by Latitudes Art Fair in May. I really would like to take our group to ArtxLagos next year. And definitely Art Basel is on the cards!

CS: How did you find out about Latitudes?

AM: I attended the very first Latitudes Art Fair when it launched in Joburg years ago and have followed its progress. I’m quite impressed with how the fair has some into its own. Offering a much needed unique experience outside the “white box”. The team is truly amazing and I look forward to continuing to work with them.