Three walls at municipal facilities in the Helderberg have been given a pop of colour and brightness as part of the City of Cape Town’s efforts to promote art and give emerging artists opportunities.

Public artworks at Sir Lowry’s Pass Library, the Gordon’s Bay Sports Ground and the Gustrouw Sports Ground are among eight projects that the City’s Arts and Culture Development Branch has facilitated in the 2025-’26 financial year.

According to the City, the branch has been driving the project for the past 10 years. “These artworks show what public art can do when artists and communities are given the opportunity to create something together,” said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health.

“Over the past year, eight new works have brought local stories, culture and creativity into public spaces across Cape Town, while giving emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their talent. I want to thank the artists and communities who contributed their ideas and helped bring these projects to life.”

The eight projects brought together eight lead artists and more than 20 emerging and assisting artists, providing paid creative opportunities while bringing community- designed artworks into public spaces.

The artwork at Sir Lowry’s Pass Library marks a milestone for the programme as its first commissioned mosaic. Developed through a community co-design process following the City’s Cool Spaces initiative, the large-scale mosaic includes painted mural elements with the artwork transforming the library facade into a vibrant public landmark.

The artists behind its creation are Kerry Atherstone (lead), Charlie Vettori and emerging artists Shannon Davids, Johen Adendorf and Iman Daniels. The artwork captures the essence of Sir Lowry’s Pass, reflecting its landscape, its people, its natural beauty and its enduring spirit.

The artwork at the Gordon’s Bay Sports Ground on the corner of Roos Street and Dennehof Road was developed through a community-led design process and realised as part of the City’s public art programme. The mural celebrates the unifying power of sport and the important role that recreational spaces play within communities.

For the creation of the mural, the lead artist was assisted by emerging artists Angelo Waterloo, Marquin van Aarde and Xolisile Sitwayi.

At the Gustrouw Sports Ground in Strand, the freshly installed mural celebrates youth development, sporting culture and the strength of community connections formed through shared public spaces. Here the lead artist was assisted by emerging artists Waterloo, Sydney Shem Lewis and Patricia Abrahams.

Artworks have also added extra colour to Blackheath Community Hall, Virginia Park in Gardens, Bryant Street Park in Bo-Kaap, Kloof Street Park and Southfield Library.