Emerging Artists Programme

This is an initiative to help emerging artists, based in Cape Town, access opportunities that will help to promote their work and develop their profession.

About

The Emerging Artists Programme is split into two areas of opportunities to create sustainable and structured development opportunities for local emerging visual artists from previously disadvantaged circumstances.

Opportunities

You can access two types of opportunities within the Emerging Artist Programme.

Exhibition opportunities

We showcase local talent and create an opportunity for artists to sell work, as well as gain experience and exposure. We exhibit though cultural spaces, creative institutions, and events such as First Thursdays, FAME Week Africa and This is Art.

Support

Mentorship and networks, skills development and capacity building training support opportunities focus on:

career planning and development;
marketing, promotions and social media strategies;
dealing with galleries and exhibition spaces;
financial management and legal basics for artists;
funding;
masterclasses that bring together artists, galleries and patrons of the arts to discuss navigating your future as an artist.

Who can apply?

Under-resourced artists who are based in Cape Town. Ideally, you:

are young and in the early stage of your career, or are older and have decided to prioritise and refine your practice, but have not yet established a solid reputation in the industry.
have specialised training in your field of interest or work (not necessarily gained at an academic institution);
are at the beginning of your career, and have created a modest, independent body of work;
have developed or refined your craft over time, and have created an independent body of work but lack exposire and opportunities.

City Connect

Apply for the Emerging Artists Programme

Past exhibitions

Title: Mother City
Curator: Zimasile Mjokozeli

'Mother City' features the work of 18 artists in different mediums, including two installations. It aims to uncover the intricate connection between the city’s environment and the creative process, encouraging reflection on how artists influence and are influenced by the city’s evolving identity.

The collection of artworks showcased offers a contemplative space, inviting the viewer to explore the dynamic relationship between artists and the city that fuels their creativity.

Councillor Patricia van der Ross with some of the artists.

Councillor Patricia van der Ross with some of the artists.

1 of 3

Title: Investec Cape Town Art Fair
Artists: Ayabonga Ntshongwana; Yamkela Madlevu; Hari Lualhati; Bevan Blankenberg; Fazlin Hoosain

Five local visual artists, who are part of the EAP, were selected to showcase their artwork at a dedicated booth at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, which took place in February 2024. The event brought together 375 artists from four continents and more than 100 leading galleries.The young artists had the opportunity to exhibit their work, and network with industry experts.