The City of Cape Town’s Tourism Department has partnered with the Cape Craft Design Institute (CCDI) to launch the Cape Creative Exhibition project – a platform to showcase Cape Town’s creativity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The project aims to promote Cape Town as a ‘creativity destination’ during the tournament by giving locals and tourists a window into the creative talents of Capetonians.

The CCDI is managing the exhibition, which is housed on the fan walk at number 37 Main Road, Green Point. The exhibition is suitable for children and is open daily from 10:00 – 17:00 until 18 July.

The CCDI has partnered with various sector bodies on the project, including the Cape Film Commission (CFC), Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA), Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) and the Africa Centre. Through this partnership, a number of artists have been assigned a dedicated space in the refurbished three-storey building, where they will perform during the exhibition. Performances will cover a variety of genres and include short films and documentaries, theatre, dance and craft.

Alderman Felicity Purchase, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Tourism and Mansoor Mohamed, Executive Director: Economic, Social Development and Tourism, visited the exhibition on 23 June, along with the various stakeholders.

“The exhibition is of a world-class standard and balances aesthetic beauty with functionality, with pieces ranging from couches and coffee tables, to a vuvuzela-themed chandelier. We have managed to place our local creative industries on the world’s stage, in the form of the many visitors passing by using the fan walk,” said Alderman Purchase. She praised the multi-stakeholder approach which has made the project possible.

Mohamed noted that the City would continue to support projects that position Cape Town as a world-class entrepreneurial city.

One of the exhibition’s curators, Thessa Bos from the Indalo Project, says the project is a significant achievement. “It has brought a number of sector organisations who are all entrusted to develop an international marketing platform for Cape Town art, together under one roof. The exhibition paves the way for future marketing opportunities for Cape Town’s creative talent and we are grateful to the City of Cape Town for making it possible,” she said.

The City’s Director: Tourism, Nombulelo Mkefa, praised the project which will see benefits beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. “This project is about the soul of Cape Town, its people and the wealth of talent it has to offer the world beyond 2010,” she said.

The Cape Creative Exhibition also hosts a number of special events. Upcoming events include: 

• Fire Word Fridays! – a potent mix of voices and genre by the Badilisha! Poetry X-Change.
  Date: 25 June, 2 July and 9 July
  Time: 18:00 – 19:30
  R30 cover charge
  
  
• Tina Schouw in a trio of solos – an intimate singer/songwriter/guitarist performance mixed with storytelling, showcasing original material.
  Date: 27 June, 04 July and 11 July
  Time: 15:00 – 16:00
  R80 cover charge
  
  
• Moodphase 5ive’s Ernistine Deane & Brian De Goede, supported by legendary Cape Town guitarist Mac McKenzie and bassist Aykes of Smoking Grass fame – artists who journey effortlessly between Goema, Reggae and Neo-Soul as well as Ernistine’s original songs.
  Date: 26 June, 10 July and 17 July
  Time: 17:00 – 18:00
  R80 cover charge
  
  

Tickets are pre-sold at The Fringe Arts store/gallery at the Cape Creative Exhibition at 37 Main Road, Green Point.