The President Hotel Introduces The Cape Town Collection: A Celebration of Local Digital Art

The President Hotel in Bantry Bay continues to push creative boundaries with the debut of The Cape Town Collection—a curated digital art gallery where guests can explore and purchase original works by local artists.

This latest initiative marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s brand journey, redefining the way hospitality spaces engage with the arts. The hotel’s second-floor corridor has been transformed into a vibrant, ever-evolving exhibition space showcasing digital pieces by artists either based in or deeply connected to Cape Town. Each work is displayed against striking custom wallpaper from the hotel’s distinctive Opus pattern collection, creating an immersive, visually cohesive experience that invites guests to pause, explore, and connect.

At the heart of the project is a guiding question: “What does it truly mean to experience Cape Town?”

“We want more than just to highlight the city—we want to have an ongoing dialogue with it,” says Creative Curator Sarah Barnes, the visionary behind both the Opus patterns and The Cape Town Collection. “A key part of this journey is building relationships with the incredible artists, designers and makers who shape Cape Town’s creative identity.”

A Seamless Guest Experience

Each cluster of artworks is accompanied by a QR code linking to an online platform where guests can order prints on demand. Artwork can be delivered to the hotel during the guest’s stay or shipped to their home. Importantly, all proceeds go directly to the artists.

“This initiative isn’t just about sales—it’s about interaction,” Barnes adds. “Whether it’s following an artist on Instagram, tagging them in a photo, or discovering something new, we’re creating space for genuine connection between our guests and Cape Town’s creative community.”

Art as a Bridge Between Cultures

The Cape Town Collection underscores the evolving role of hotels as cultural storytellers—offering more than accommodation by reflecting the spirit of their surroundings through design, art, and atmosphere.

The featured artists include a diverse mix of Cape Town talent: multidisciplinary creative Koooooos, illustrator Elana Wasson, photographer Bjorn Kumpers, digital collage artist Thuthukani Myeza, and works by Barnes herself.

“It’s amazing to see someone stop in the corridor because an artwork caught their eye,” Barnes shares. “That moment of engagement tells us we’re doing something right—we’re creating experiences that resonate.”

A Living, Breathing Exhibition

Designed to grow and evolve, The Cape Town Collection will continually feature new artists and fresh works, reflecting the city’s dynamic and ever-changing cultural energy.

“Cape Town has always been central to our identity,” says Brand Director Joanne Clayton. “The Cape Town Collectionis a tribute to its vibrancy—a curated experience for the curious. It’s a platform that gives local creatives the spotlight they deserve, and it’s just the beginning of a bold new chapter for The President Hotel.”

Creative Partnerships, Local Impact

Bringing this initiative to life involved collaboration with a host of Cape Town-based partners: ORMS Print & Frame Room handled the fine art printing and framing; Cara Saven installed eco-conscious wallpaper; Studio Lloyd contributed custom lighting, and Weylandts added carefully selected furnishings.

As a Green Key-certified property, The President Hotel remains committed to sustainability—using locally sourced materials and eco-friendly practices that support the community and environment.

Experience Cape Town Through Art

Guests are invited to discover the city’s creative pulse during their stay. Take in the curated digital gallery, find a piece that speaks to you, and order it as a unique memento of your time in Cape Town and at The President.