25 Emerging Artists complete City-backed programme to turn talent into careers

13 June 2026

The City of Cape Town's Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Emerging Artists Programme has celebrated the successful completion of its annual programme, which equips talented and young emerging artists with skills, knowledge and networks needed to build sustainable careers in the visual arts sector.

The Community, Arts, and Culture Development’s Emerging Artist Programme Annual Capacity Building Training has been running since 2019 and supports artists with the often-overlooked business side of creative work, helping participants strengthen skills in financial planning, marketing, exhibition preparation and long-term career development.

The programme culminates in a public exhibition showcasing the artists’ work and providing valuable experience in presenting and promoting themselves as professional practitioners.

The exhibition draws to a close today, 13 June.
 
‘Cape Town is home to extraordinary creative talent, but talent alone is not always enough to build a sustainable career in the arts. Emerging artists also need mentorship, practical skills and opportunities to grow.  This programme helps artists strengthen their confidence, understand the business side of creative work and prepare for future opportunities. We are incredibly proud of what this year’s group has achieved and excited to see how they continue to grow and contribute to Cape Town’s vibrant cultural landscape,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The Capacity Building Training is structured into four focused phases:
 
1. Foundations of Professional Practice
2. Visibility and Marketing
3. Exhibition and Sales Readiness
4. Planning for Growth

This year’s programme included 20 workshop sessions hosted at the Lab in Woodstock, including gallery excursions. Each of the 25 participating artists had three one-on-one mentorship sessions and two group peer-review sessions.

The sessions were designed to impart core training and skills, culminating in a month-long group exhibition.
 
This year’s exhibition was titled ‘Seeing the Invisible’ and offered the group an opportunity to apply their new skills, preparing them as practicing professional artists for their careers ahead.
 
The exhibition included artist walkabouts, talks, and public engagement activities to help participants build confidence in presenting their work and engaging audiences.
 
The CACD is finalising its Emerging Artists programme for the new financial year, which starts in July.
 
Emerging artists are welcome to contact the department for more information about the programme by emailing emerging@capetown.gov.za

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office