Why make public art?

We get excited when artists want to help uplift and transform community and public spaces in our city. Public art is important for:

• renewing neglected areas;
• making public spaces more beautiful;
• getting people to talk about culture;
• increasing the use of public spaces;
• attracting visitors;
• adding to community identity;
• making art accessible to the public;
• increasing collaboration between artists; and
• creating job opportunities for artists.

Apply for a public art permit

Whether you wish to add to an existing structure, or create something new, you will need to get a permit from the City.

Find out how to apply by clicking on the City Connect link below:

While we believe in the power of public art on our streets, we do not support illegal graffiti. Please refer to the Graffiti By-law for more information.

Busking

Buskers do not require a permit to perform without amplified sound, but they do need to ensure they comply with the Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances Amendment By-Law.

Public Art Management Framework

We have put together a draft Public Art Management Framework (PAMF) document that informs our approach to public art in Cape Town. Read more about PAMF below.

What is PAMF?
This document was created in response to feedback from street artists. Our PAMF helps artists understand how the City engages with public art in Cape Town; with it we try to:

• make clear the City’s commitment to public art;
• explain standard operating practices;
• ensure we are transparent and accountable;
• promote good management and maintenance of the city’s public art collection;
• provide the structure and possibilities for placing works of art in public spaces within the city; and
• establish standards and inform assessments of all public art commissioned by the City or acquired by us through purchase, donation or transfer.

We kicked off the PAMF in 2013 ‘Ways to Do Public Art’ project held jointly with the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA) at the City Hall.

View the Draft Public Art Management Framework (PAMF)

Document downloads

• 1. Draft Public Art management Framework

     12/08/2025, Framework - 2.1 MB

  2. Graffiti By-law

     01/05/2010, By-law - 538.7 KB