Emerging artists pop up at First Thursday
08 November 2024
Emerging artists from around the city showcased their work at a pop-up exhibition in Cape Town at the First Thursday event this week. The 21-strong group are part of the City of Cape Town Community, Arts and Culture Development Department’s Emerging Artists Programme (EAP).
The exhibition, which was held at the SA Sendinggestig Museum in Long Street, brought together emerging artists each sharing a personal story that connects deeply to themes of identity, migration, land, heritage, and language.
‘For many of the artists it was the first time exhibiting their work and introducing their talent to a wider audience. This marks a significant step in their creative journeys. It is a privilege to give these talented artists a platform to share their incredible work with the public,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Working across drawing, photography, painting, and sculpture, these artists capture experiences that resonate with their unique voices.
Their stories reflect the diverse identities and backgrounds that make up the country today, each piece adding to a larger conversation about community and self-expression.
The artists come from various suburbs across the city including Kuils River, Diep River, Mitchells Plain, Newlands, Parklands, Heideveld, Muizenberg, Mowbray Langa, Parow, Belhar, Wynberg, Gugulethu, Salt River, Atlantis and Milnerton.
The EAP supports under-resourced artists in the early stage of their careers by providing them with training, mentorship, networking opportunities and exhibition platforms.
The Department will host another First Thursdays pop-up exhibition on 05 December 2024 as well as an Exhibition Readiness Workshop on 23 November 2024, to help artists prepare. Any aspiring artists who wish to participate, can apply by emailing emerging@capetown.gov.za.
For more information on the Emerging Artists Programme, please go to https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Arts-and-culture/artists-programme/emerging-artist-programme
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
