Terrence Sanders-Smith, a former gallery owner who recently returned to New Orleans, has opened Smith Contemporary at 440 Julia Street in the city's historic Gallery Row. The gallery is one of the few Black-owned galleries in the area's history. Sanders-Smith plans to sell work by racially diverse artists and is organizing a new national art fair, modeled after Miami Basel, to launch as soon as spring 2026. The article also features commentary from former gallery owner Myesha Francis on the importance of Black-owned spaces for artists and audiences of color.
This opening matters because it challenges the predominantly white mainstream gallery scene in New Orleans and aims to attract a younger, more diverse audience to Julia Street. Sanders-Smith's planned art fair could significantly boost the local art scene, drawing national attention and fostering inclusivity. The gallery's Black ownership provides a welcoming environment for artists and collectors of color, addressing systemic prejudices in the art market and offering a different narrative for the community.