City’s Arts Aweh! programme reaches thousands of young people

09 July 2026

Thousands of young people across the City had the opportunity to engage in arts and cultural activities as part of the City’s Arts Aweh! programme from January to June this year. The initiative is an after-school programme that offers learners access to free, safe and creative activities in community spaces.

Activities at seven City-owned spaces included drawing, painting, photography, hip hop, dance, performance, poetry, clay work and beading, with all art materials and supplies provided at no cost to the participants.

The programme also created job opportunities for 19 young creatives and cultural workers, through the Expanded Public Works Programme.

‘Arts Aweh! is about more than keeping children busy after school. It gives young people a safe space to be creative, try something new, work with others and build confidence. For many children, access to art materials, guidance and a platform to perform or exhibit their work can make a real difference. We want more learners and parents to make use of these opportunities when the next programme opens,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

The programme included five exhibitions held recently in Athlone, Ysterplaat, Pelican Park, Mfuleni and Hanover Park, which included paintings, drawings, functional art pieces, clay work, sand art and rock art.

The exhibitions gave learners the chance to participate in mini-concerts and fashion shows where they showcased their poetry, drama, dance and clothing they created from recycled material.

‘We are already planning for the next programme and I encourage learners, and their parents, to enrol when the opportunity becomes available. Arts Aweh! helps children learn, grow and reach their potential by offering new and creative opportunities,’ added Councillor Higham.

For more information on the Arts Aweh! programme please email Artsand.Culture@capetown.gov.za

Caption: Councillor Higham and some of the children admire the artwork at the Athlone exhibition.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office