Interview with ST2025 Patrons: Michael Silver & Stephanie Thomas

In this intimate and insightful interview, Michael Silver and Stephanie Thomas - patrons of the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 - share their personal journey from California to the Cape, their deep connection to African art, and their commitment to creating space for breath, imagination, and care through the arts.

Interview Topics

Filmed across their sculpture-filled farm and through seated conversations, the couple reflects on:

– What drew them to South Africa and the Triennale

– How sculpture transformed their land into a living artwork – The parallels between South Africa and California’s landscapes and histories

– The evolving African art ecosystem and their passion for mentorship, collecting, and community

This video forms part of BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, the 2025 Stellenbosch Triennale’s central theme curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa - an invitation to breathe through states of duress, to insist on aliveness, and to imagine new ways of living through improvisation and stillness.

🎥 Watch, reflect, and rehearse the world we want to build.

📍 Learn more at stellenboschtriennale.com