Music, colour and celebration filled the Artscape this morning as hundreds gathered to mark the anniversary.

The celebration also featured the unveiling of Becoming Artscape – A Place Reborn, a memory wall honouring the people who shaped its legacy.

Speaking at the event, Marlene le Roux, chief executive officer of the Artscape, said: “A country without the heartbeat of art is a country without a soul. This building is vibrating with the colourful diversity of our country.”

Le Roux said she is overwhelmed by the support of everyone who came to celebrate.

“I am overwhelmed and emotional because people came from far to come and be part of this. We thought we would only have 500 people, but thousands came out. This celebration is about 30 years of our democracy and our constitution and the Artscape is built on those pillars.”

Reflecting on the arts centre’s transformation since apartheid, Le Roux highlighted how the once-segregated space now embraces diverse voices and community-driven storytelling.

Arts and the economy

Le Roux said the arts are a powerful vehicle for telling the stories of people, while also making a significant contribution to the economy, with artists contributing 4% to the country’s GDP.

“The narrative should change. Artists are professional people and the country is hungry for live performances. For the next 55 years we want to see that artists have their place not just at Artscape but at every institution.”

She expressed her gratitude to her staff and said each member plays a pivotal role.

The celebration marks a series of events that will take place at the facility over the next few months.

This includes a career expo that will take place on Saturday 6 June.

Le Roux encouraged young people to attend.

“We want to demystify the arts and say it is possible to have a career in the arts.”

Le Roux thanked government partners, staff and the public for their continued support of Artscape and its programmes.

Calls for continued support

Mayco member for community services and health, congratulated the team on 55 “remarkable years.”

“What stands out about this milestone is not only longevity, but transformation. From beginnings that reflected exclusion, Artscape has become a place where people from all backgrounds can gather, connect and tell stories and experience the richness of shared humanity.”

She noted that a thriving city needs “thriving cultural spaces”.

“Spaces that inspire young people, bring communities together and help us imagine something bigger than ourselves.”

Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, called on the private sector to support the arts.

“We need more organisations to play their part. Please invest in the arts so that in the next 55 years we protect more than just the Artscape. There are many of our community art facilities that need support, particularly in our film industry. But we cannot do it on our own.”

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