About Cape Town Arts Festival

The Cape Town Arts Festival, born in response to the 1998 Planet Hollywood Bombings, started as the One City Many Cultures (CT Festival) in 1999 under Ryland Fisher’s leadership, symbolizing unity and resilience against cultural intolerance. Yusuf Ganief, CEO from 2003 to 2007, revitalized the festival, establishing the Cape Town Community Festivals and promoting cultural expression. In 2021, Ganief rebranded it as the Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF), focusing on sustainable artist development through comprehensive upskilling and dynamic performance platforms.

Since 2022, the Cape Town Arts Festival has been committed to empowering artists through impactful development programmes like the Beyond Busking Project, Artists for Artists Programme, and comprehensive events and marketing management training. These initiatives have successfully supported over 150 community artists, nurturing their talents and advancing their careers.

In 2023, the festival proudly hosted two community arts festivals: the Langa Community Arts Festival and the Buyambo Arts Festival in Khayelitsha. These events served as vibrant showcases of local talent and cultural celebration, profoundly enriching the artistic landscape of these Cape Town communities.

Notable highlights include the Beyond Busking Festival Day on October 29, 2022, held at the historic Castle of Good Hope. This event featured 425 artists and drew over 1100 attendees, demonstrating our enduring commitment to the arts. The Cape Town Arts Festival 2023, held on December 9th and 10th at the Castle of Good Hope, continued this tradition with 447 artists and an audience of over 2213 attendees, celebrating Cape Town’s artistic diversity and our dedication to fostering creativity and inclusivity.

AIR (AFRICAN INDIGENOUS RENAISSANCE) FESTIVAL, 21 MARCH 2025, PLETTENBERG BAY

MELODIES OF RENAISSANCE

Join us for an unforgettable African Indigenous Renaissance at the AIR Festival, set in the stunning rural landscape of Kranshoek Community Centre Plettenberg Bay, on Human Rights Day.Β  (READ MORE)

AFRICAN CRAFT VILLAGE

Welcome to the Arts and Craft Market at the AIR Festival, where the rich cultural heritage of Africa comes to life! Here, you’ll find an impressive display of indigenous musical instruments such as Uhadi …(READ MORE)

FROM PAGE TO STAGE

Cape Town arts festival, City Arts Festival

Under the guidance of Bulelwa Basse, this interactive poetry Masterclass leads to a grand finaleβ€”a captivating live performance on the main stage… {READ MORE}

FUSION OF FORMS

The AIR Visual Art Exhibition is a celebration of African culture and heritage. In honor of Human Rights Day, this exhibition blends the voices of established artists with emerging talents, creating a platform that honors both tradition and innovation…..{READ MORE}

ENCHANTED TALES & ARTSY TRAILS

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Discover the Magic with Danielle Jenay Van Wyk: A day of wonder awaits at the AIR Festival with Danielle, a passionate Early Childhood Educator.Β  Β …{READ MORE}

THE AIR DANCE CHALLENGE

TheΒ Air Dance ChallengeΒ is a highlight of theΒ Air Festival, held in celebration ofΒ Human Rights Day. This exciting event is a vibrant fusion of cultures and serves as a platform for honoring diversity through the universal language of dance…. {READ MORE}

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEYOND BUSKING FESTIVAL DAY

Beyond Busking Festival Day follows international trends where busking is considered a career by providing street musicians and artists with...
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BEYOND BUSKING PROJECT

This project develops local buskers with skills such as personal development, vocal training, songwriting, music arrangement and production.
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AIR: The Dance of Two Cultures – A Battle for the African Indigenous Renaissance

One of the key highlights of the AIR Festival will be the AIR Dance Challenge, an exhilarating competition designed to...
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AIR Festival Rises Out of Kranshoek as a Confluence of Cultures – The Griquas Lead the Charge on Human Rights Day

The AIR Festival, a celebration of culture, community, and artistic expression, will make its highly anticipated debut in Kranshoek on...
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AIR Festival: Calling All Indigenous and Traditional Crafters!

The Cape Town Arts Festival, in partnership with the Ariva Arts Foundation and supported by Bitou Municipality, the Griqua National...
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AIR Festival: Calling All Indigenous and Traditional Food Vendors!

The Cape Town Arts Festival, in partnership with the Ariva Arts Foundation and supported by Bitou Municipality, the Griqua National...
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AIR Festival: Calling All Indigenous, Traditional and Riel Dancers!

The Cape Town Arts Festival, in partnership with the Ariva Arts Foundation and supported by Bitou Municipality, the Griqua National...
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AIR Festival: Calling All Indigenous & Traditional Artists!

Call for Indigenous & Traditional Artists – AIR Festival 2025 The Cape Town Arts Festival, in partnership with the Ariva...
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Geoffrey Tracey Workshops Recap | AIR Entrepreneur Project 2025

The AIR Entrepreneur Project continues to inspire and educate, bringing together artists, makers, and cultural enthusiasts to explore the rich...
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Dizu Plaatjies Workshops Recap | AIR Entrepreneur Project 2025

The AIR Entrepreneur Project launched with an inspiring series of immersive workshops led by Professor Dizu Plaatjies, a celebrated master...
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The AIR Project Auditions – 05 December 2024

The African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Project, an initiative by the Cape Town Arts Festival in partnership with the Ariva Arts...
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The Beyond Busking Auditions – 05 November 2024

The Beyond Busking Project is transforming the landscape for South African buskers. Designed as an intensive three-month training and mentorship...
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