City celebrates 13 years with Bonsai and Art in the Park

20 October 2025

The 13th annual Bonsai Festival in the Company’s Garden this past weekend brought residents and visitors together for a vibrant celebration of creativity culture and horticultural mastery under this year’s theme, Bonsai and Art in the Park.

This year’s festival was a collaborative effort, made possible by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, the Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department - which manages the ArtsAweh! and Emerging Artists Programme - and the Cape Regional Association of Bonsai (CRAB).

Together, the departments created a platform where art, nature and community intersect.



The festival featured a showcase of works by local emerging artists alongside the ArtsAweh! exhibition, and visitors had the unique opportunity to experience art in a natural setting, adding fresh perspectives that complemented the bonsai displays and workshops.

‘The Bonsai Festival celebrates community, creativity and our love of art and nature, drawing residents and visitors into our parks and green spaces to connect with the environment and each other. It’s an ancient art and I hope we inspire a new generation of tree lovers and bonsai enthusiasts,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.



Through this unique opportunity to connect with both the environment and the community, the event not only showcased local talent and artistic expression, but also encouraged environmental awareness and a deeper appreciation of the natural spaces that enrich the city.

Caption 1: Consul Katamoto Masahiro (Consul of Japan in Cape Town) and Councillor Francine Higham (Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services & Health) visited the festival.

Caption 2: One of the many bonsai trees that were on display.

Caption 3: Palesa Motheo is pictured standing next to works from her series Micro Archives.

Caption 4: The works of Megan Brandt from Athlone are handmade. She works with stoneware, earthenware and porcelain clay types.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office