City facilitates physical, mental and emotional wellness through art
14 April 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Arts & Culture Branch completed a series of workshops in a pilot programme focused on supporting vulnerable communities and encouraging personal growth. The Arts and Culture Wellness Programme aims to improve well-being through visual and performing arts.
The workshops included a series of activities including mindfulness, movement and culture to help participants relax, express themselves and build confidence.
‘The programme was designed specifically for vulnerable communities and the various activities addressed emotional distress, enhanced self-awareness and promoted community connections. Participants developed new coping strategies, explored creative ways to express themselves and built meaningful relationships with peers and facilitators,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The programme was run across all the regions and concluded today (14 April) at the Green Point Urban Park.
The other sessions took place at the Helderberg, Tygerberg and False Bay Nature Reserves.
Programme activities included yoga and mindfulness exercises, drumming and sound healing sessions, nature art and clay sculpting, a walk of remembrance and gratitude art.
‘Art provides a non-verbal way of expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate such as grief and trauma. It is also a valuable tool in processing experiences, reducing anxiety and building self-esteem. The value of the programme goes beyond the sessions and I am confident that the participants are richer for it,’ added Councillor Higham.
Participants included individuals impacted by gender-based violence, senior citizens, youth, people sleeping rough on the street, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The pilot programme will be assessed and further opportunities to join the initiative in future will be communicated.
End Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
