Event Starts in: 
Cape Town Arts and Culture
The African art and culture space is filled with rich ethnic diversity. While many people believe that African or contemporary art was starting to become a dying trade, this creative world has taken on a new form.
In recent years, the variety of festivals and new galleries have opened our eyes to the talent and meaningful works of art out there, inspiring upcoming artists and creative enthusiasts to support these talented individuals. Cape Town itself has quickly grown to be a cultural experience unlike any other.
Here are a few touring ideas and art locations to visit on a trip to Cape Town:
Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art
Since the grand opening of this beautiful contemporary art museum, Cape Town is quickly becoming the next global art hub. This art gallery houses some of the largest collections of art pieces, with the exterior of the establishment excelling in architecture and design. The look and feel of this building in the Silo District certainly set the tone for modern, up and coming Africa art. It also provides artists with a creative platform to showcase their skills and give others a taste of what’s to come. This museum has been an incredible opportunity to celebrate Africa’s unique heritage. From social to political influences, artists from across the globe are influenced by this new cultural institution in South Africa.
South African National Gallery
Located in the Company’s Gardens in Cape Town, this long-standing Cape Dutch building houses famous art collections from South African and African art, and British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. On a trip to this gallery you will be exposed to many paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, beadwork, textiles and more. The architecture of this building is traditional to South Africa, so you will be able to learn more about its design as well as that of other establishments in the area. If you are someone who appreciates traditional works of art, this gallery and museum is truly something spectacular and should be visited by any art lover. It will also provide you with plenty of inspiration for future projects of your own.
Woodstock’s graffiti
Woodstock is one of Cape Town’s rising neighbourhoods. Tucked away from the city centre, it was once a grungy destination which was transformed into a creative haven for artists, musicians, actors and more. From artisanal food stalls and coffee shops to quaint restaurants, street art and a number of growing art studios and galleries, this area has become a little cultural village. It also brings together different cultures and unites them as one. That is what art is about, coming together to appreciate and support local talent. If you walk through the suburb, you will come across many different graffitied walls. And while this type of art might have had a bad reputation 10 years ago, it tells a story of the Woodstock community.
Watershed
The Watershed is a fairly new addition to the art scene, however, it has grown by leaps and bounds to be where it is today. Starting off as a standard marketplace with stalls, it is now one of the trendiest art stores and exhibition spaces in Cape Town. Located at the V&A Waterfront, many tourists adore this section as it shows them what African art is all about and how it has transformed over the years. There are traditional artists and more modern additions, all sharing the same limelight. Believe it or not, there are more than 150 stores which feature African fashion, jewellery, pottery, trinkets and more. More often than not, this spot has live entertainment and shows. Keep an eye out to learn more about the local gatherings that take place here, otherwise, take a stroll through Watershed for a unique art experience.
First Thursdays
First Thursdays is a public event that was developed to draw attention to the buzzing art culture in South Africa. Available in Cape Town and in Johannesburg on the first Thursday of every month, tourists and locals now have the opportunity to explore cultural events and support local art talent. It is important to note that there is no guided tour or schedule for you, you can walk the streets as you please and spend as much time as you want to at the various galleries and museums open for First Thursdays.
Final thoughts
While the Cape Town scene might not be as “loud” as you would have expected, there are plenty of events happening that you simply need to search for. Cape Town itself has so many cultural and art attractions to visit, with more opening at a rapid rate. Soon, Cape Town will become a global art capital which is on par with well-established cities such as London and New York.
