Welcome to the South African Society of Artists

The South African Society of Artists was first founded on Saturday, the 8th of May 1897, but ceased to function after the outbreak of the South African war in 1899 (formerly known as the first Anglo-Boer war). The society was reincarnated in September 1902, and this date is now recognized as the society’s official establishment.

The South African Society of Artists was founded to cater specifically to the practicing artist, and is the oldest surviving organization of its kind in South Africa. It was the first to nurture a sense of community among practicing artists across former colonial and provincial divisions, demanding the recognition of South African art at an official and national level. Its early membership was very broad-based, featuring some of South Africa’s finest practitioners in painting, sculpture, architecture, and design, as well as interested laymen.