About public art
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, we believe it’s important for you to spend time in public spaces that are dynamic, interesting and well cared for.
What is public art?
Public art makes communities and environments more beautiful and helps uplift the spirits of those who see it or experience it; it also tells rich stories about a city’s people and history.
Some public art can be touched, including:
- Sculptures
- Paintings
- Graffiti
- Murals
- Mosaics
- Statues
Some art is performed, such as:
- Dance
- Procession
- Buskers
- Street theatre
Public art improves public life by:
- renewing neglected areas;
- making public spaces more beautiful;
- encouraging people to talk about culture;
- increasing the use of public spaces;
- attracting visitors;
- adding to community identity;
- making art accessible to the public;
- increasing collaboration between artists; and
- creating job opportunities for artists.
Busking and performance art
Buskers can be found in some of Cape Town’s busiest environments and areas popular with tourists.
Hotspots:
- In the city centre – near Greenmarket Square and along St George’s Mall – where you will find dancers and musicians on most days of the week.
- On the cobbled walkway along Government Avenue which connects Wale and Orange Streets.
Public performances are different and typically forms part of a street festival or larger cultural event. Find out more about
signature events in the city.
Buskers do not require a permit to perform without amplified sound, but should take care to not create excessive noise that could be considered a nuisance.
Find public art
Search, browse and explore public art on the Digital Vault, the City of Cape Town’s digital catalogue of permanent and temporary public art and the Civic Collection. Find images, physical descriptions, and the stories that make these items so interesting and important.
Access the vaultDiscover public art
We encourage you to explore the city and our neighbourhoods and discover public art.
PUBLIC ART CATALOGUE
A guide to public art in Cape Town
Download PDF Apply for a temporary public art permit
If you would like to paint an existing structure, add a temporary or permanent artwork, you will need to get a permit from the City.
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