Our Story
The first Pan African
Contemporary Gallery
in San Francisco
AOCA | Art of Contemporary Africa is a Pan African Contemporary Art Gallery located at Minnesota Street Project, in Dogpatch, San Francisco. It is the sister gallery to The Melrose Gallery, a leading Pan African Contemporary Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Melrose Gallery is the exclusive global representative of Dr Esther Mahlangu — the globally acclaimed visual artist and much-loved ambassador of the Ndebele nation — and numerous other established artists and an exciting young guard swiftly rising to take their deserved place on the global stage.
AOCA has been established to expand on the important work we continue to implement via The Melrose Gallery, providing us with a valuable base within the US to access this important market and to better serve our large American collector base.
African artists have traditionally been heavily underrepresented in the US — AOCA is the first Pan African Contemporary Gallery in San Francisco.
We run an exciting program of curated exhibitions, participate in numerous art fairs in the US, and collaborate with museums, curators, respected galleries, and media to expose talented artists from the Continent of Africa and the Diaspora to the international stage.
2016
The Melrose Gallery established, Johannesburg
2021
AOCA established
2026
AOCA gallery opens, San Francisco
Dedicated to championing the global presentation of African art — from iconic figures to emerging voices defining the next chapter.
Come Visit UsLocation
1275 Minnesota Street, 2nd floor
Minnesota Street Project, Dogpatch
San Francisco, USA
Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
11h00 – 18h00
Contact
+1 (628) 629 8175
craig@aocaart.com
International:
+27 795277906
clint@aocaart.com
Our Neighborhood
Minnesota Street Project
Minnesota Street Project is San Francisco's premier contemporary art destination, housed in a historic 1920s warehouse in the heart of Dogpatch. This vibrant cultural hub brings together over 30 galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces under one roof.
The project has transformed the neighborhood into a thriving arts district, hosting regular exhibitions, events, and open studios that draw collectors, curators, and art lovers from around the world.
As part of this dynamic community, AOCA is proud to contribute to the cultural richness of Minnesota Street Project and the broader San Francisco art scene.
Find Us
Located in the heart of Dogpatch's arts district, easily accessible by car, bike, or public transit.
Free Admission · Public Welcome
No appointment necessary. Walk-ins welcome during gallery hours.