Cape of Arts
If the mountain, the sea, and the Winelands weren’t reason enough to visit the beautiful Cape, this February the city is turning up the charm with even more reasons to visit when it hosts two major art events: Investec Cape Town Art Fair and the Stellenbosch Triennale.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair is the premier destination for discovering contemporary art on the African continent. Taking place from 21 to 23 February 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), this highly anticipated event features over 124 exhibitors from five continents, including renowned galleries from Europe, the United States, and beyond. With more than 30,000 art enthusiasts expected to attend, it is a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and artistic discovery.
The 2025 edition of the fair marks a historic milestone, welcoming 30 first-time exhibitors – the largest group of new galleries in its history. This year’s exhibitors bring a diverse and compelling range of contemporary works to the forefront. LEESAYA (Tokyo, Japan) introduces a distinct Japanese perspective, while Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda) highlights artists living and working on the African continent. Hunna Art (Kuwait City, Kuwait) showcases the richness of contemporary Middle Eastern art, and Galerie EIGEN + ART (Leipzig, Berlin, Germany) expands its programme by featuring artists across generations. Adding further depth, Gypsum Gallery (Cairo, Egypt) presents a captivating exploration of modern artistry from the Middle East.
On the local front, Goodman Gallery and SMAC Gallery are influential establishments that showcase both emerging and established talents. Southern Guild merges contemporary craft and design, while WHATIFTHEWORLD and Stevenson are recognized for their innovative exhibitions that spotlight diverse narratives. Kalashnikovv Gallery represents a dynamic range of conceptual practices and will be showing an all-female-based group of artists at the fair. Additionally, Everard Read, one of the country’s oldest commercial galleries, supports both established and new artists, connecting local talent with international audiences, while blank projects focus on experimental and interdisciplinary practices, fostering dialogue around contemporary issues. Together with all the exhibitors, these galleries exemplify the remarkable array of talent to be featured at Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025.
The Stellenbosch Triennale
The Stellenbosch Triennale, running from 19 February to 30 April 2025, invites audiences to experience Stellenbosch as a vibrant hub of multidisciplinary art on the African continent. Set in the heart of South Africa’s historic Winelands—home to iconic estates like Spier, Boschendal, and Lanzerac—the Triennale blends the town’s rich cultural and natural heritage with an extraordinary celebration of creativity.
First launched in 2020, the Stellenbosch Triennale was envisioned as a transformative platform for public art and societal reflection. In 2025, it returns with an evolving two-month programme featuring a remarkable line-up of artists from Africa and beyond. Guided by chief curator Khanyisile Mbongwa, the theme for this year, BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, invites artists and audiences to reflect on breathing—not only as an essential physical act but as a profound metaphor for resilience, survival, and collective renewal.
The 2025 edition brings together a diverse array of artistic disciplines, including sound, sculpture, installations, painting, photography, dance, and performance. Among the participating artists are Alexandre Kyungu Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Simphiwe Ndzube (South Africa), Torkwase Dyson (USA), Thierry Oussou (Benin), and William Miko (Zambia). Additional contributors include Astrid González (Colombia-Chile), Helen Zeru (Ethiopia), Kasangati Godelive Kabena (Democratic Republic of Congo), Manyaku Mashilo (South Africa), Nandele Muguni (Mozambique), Simphiwe Buthelezi (South Africa), Takunda Regis Billiat (Zimbabwe), and Tuli Mekodjo (Namibia).
Anchored at the Oude Libertas precinct and extending across multiple venues throughout Stellenbosch, the Triennale embraces the region’s distinctive cultural and natural landscapes. With its thoughtfully curated programme, the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 promises to be a compelling convergence of art, heritage, and critical dialogue, offering audiences an unparalleled opportunity to engage with some of the most innovative voices in contemporary art.
Apart from these two exciting shows, other must-visit artistic and cultural destinations in the city include the Norval Foundation, Zeitz MOCAA, the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, which also offers several distinct arts and culture tours, the Irma Stern Museum, and the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.
SMAC Gallery presents its stable of cutting-edge contemporary artists this year at Investec Cape Town Art Fair.
For more information visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za and for regular updates, follow on Instagram@investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @ICTArtFair#ICTAF2025
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