Art-Fueled February: Two Must-See Events In The Heart Of The Cape

Cape Town is set to be the ultimate destination for art lovers, collectors and creatives in February 2025. From 17 to 23 February, Cape Town and Stellenbosch will kick off two of South Africa’s premier cultural events: Investec Cape Town Art Fair and the Stellenbosch Triennale, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the transformative power of art.

These exciting events promise immersive cultural experiences and the chance to connect with both established and emerging talent from home and across the globe.

Stellenbosch Triennale, Khanyisile Mbongwa (Chief Curator) and Mike Mavura (Assistant Curator)

 The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025: BA’ZINZILE – A Rehearsal for Breathing

Opening on 19 February 2025, the Stellenbosch Triennale will transform the historic town of Stellenbosch into a dynamic art landscape until 30 April 2025. Curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa under the theme BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, this Triennale invites visitors to contemplate art as a metaphor for resilience, reflection, and the preparation for future possibilities.

With installations by artists such as Alexandre Kyungu Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Manyaku Mashilo (South Africa), Nandele Maguni (Mozambique), Simphiwe Buthelezi (South Africa), Simphiwe Ndzube (South Africa), Torkwase Dyson (USA), Tuli Mekondjo (Namibia) and Thierry Oussou (Benin), the 2025 Triennale promises a living, evolving experience. Under Mbongwa’s guidance, artists are invited to create on-site, focusing on sustainability by minimising transportation and allowing works to disintegrate back into the land. Assistant Curator Dr. Mike Mavura emphasises that this year’s theme examines the concept of breath – physically, emotionally and metaphorically – in a time when “breathlessness is a global experience.”

Stellenbosch Triennale, exhibition view of installation ”Nzoloko comme reflect aÌ Venise”

The Triennale, spearheaded by the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST), will spread across venues including Oude Libertas, the Woodmill, Rupert Museum and Stellenbosch University Museum, making it a community-wide event open and free to the public.

 Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025: A Hub for Global Art Collectors and Galleries

Investec Cape Town Art Fair has proven to be the place where the fast-growing African art market and the international art world meet, with over 100 exhibitors and 30,000 art enthusiasts all under one roof. Recognised as Africa’s premier art fair and the largest contemporary art fair on the continent, Investec Cape Town Art Fair is taking place from 21 to 23 February 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 February 2025 at the CTICC.

Led by Director Laura Vincenti, the upcoming fair will feature over 100 leading galleries and up to 500 artists from around the globe, showcasing a strong focus on innovation, inclusivity, and emerging talent. Special curated sections will be overseen by renowned figures such as Dr. Mariella Franzoni (Tomorrow/Today), Herba El Kayal (Generations) – a curator, writer, and researcher from Cairo, Egypt – and Céline Seror (SOLO), a co-founder of prominent art platforms including IAM and The Art Momentum.

The 2025 Fair will also feature an exciting lineup of new Special Projects, including Cabinet/Trophy: ‘Playing the Field’, curated by Exhibition Match (Alexander Richards and Phokeng Setai), which invites galleries to explore the Fair’s theme of ‘PLAY.’ These innovative projects will complement the return of beloved sections, offering visitors a dynamic and evolving experience in an engaging public programme both at the Fair itself and across the Mother City for its twelfth edition.

For more information visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za and for regular updates, follow on  Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @ICTArtFair#ICTAF2025