As the countdown begins for the inaugural Jeffreys Bay Art Festival – KunsKoors, in May 2025, garden enthusiasts are invited to showcase their talents in the TuinKoors competition, a celebration of horticultural artistry.
KunsKoors, a name derived from the Afrikaans words meaning “Art Fever,” is set to become a groundbreaking art festival in the picturesque town of Jeffreys Bay.
This unique event, the first of its kind, is not merely a festival but a movement aimed at transforming the cultural and economic landscape of the community.
The vision
Pieter Kok, judge and member of the TuinKoors division, said that KunsKoors’s inception stems from a profound desire to elevate the quality of life for the residents of Jeffreys Bay.
Bringing great art to Jeffreys Bay
He said that many residents of Jeffreys Bay have limited access to world-class art due to the prohibitive costs and distances associated with travelling to cultural hubs like Cape Town, New York, or Paris.
As a result, KunsKoors aims to bridge this gap by bringing great theatre, beautiful music, captivating dance, and stunning visual arts to the local community.
“This exposure to high-quality art is expected to enhance the residents’ appreciation for the arts and contribute to their overall happiness and well-being,” said Kok.
Valuing local artists
KunsKoors is also dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the talents of local artists.
By providing them with a prestigious platform to showcase their work, the festival will elevate the status of artists within the community, fostering an environment where art is valued and recognised for its ability to enrich lives.
Kok said that this, in turn, will educate the public about the intrinsic value of art and its creators, encouraging a deeper cultural appreciation.
Stimulating economic growth
The festival’s impact extends beyond cultural enrichment; it is also a catalyst for economic growth.
“KunsKoors is designed to stimulate both the formal and informal sectors of the local economy. By attracting visitors from near and far, the festival will boost local businesses, from hospitality to retail,” said Kok.
Comprehensive artistic representation
KunsKoors promises to be an all-encompassing celebration of the arts.
The festival will feature visual arts, classical music, theatre, dance, literature, poetry, and even landscape art.
This diverse array of artistic expressions ensures that there is something for everyone, catering to varied tastes and preferences while promoting a holistic cultural experience.
Sustainable excellence
Kok said that this project is not just about hosting an event; it is about creating a sustainable legacy of excellence.
“The aim is to establish KunsKoors as an annual festival that continues to grow and evolve, consistently delivering high-quality cultural experiences and fostering a vibrant, thriving community,” said Kok.
“KunsKoors is more than an art festival; it is a beacon of cultural and economic rejuvenation for Jeffreys Bay.”
By bringing world-class art to the community, valuing local artists, stimulating economic growth, and offering a comprehensive array of artistic experiences, KunsKoors is set to become a cornerstone of the town’s identity.
“This visionary project embodies the spirit of giving back, ensuring that the benefits of art and culture are accessible to all, making Jeffreys Bay a happier, more prosperous place to live,” said Kok.
Preparing for TuinKoors
Since gardens need sufficient time to grow, those interested in participating in the TuinKoors are encouraged to begin preparing their gardens ahead of the April 22, 2025, judging date, with winners to be announced shortly thereafter.
The categories are as follows: small gardens (up to 250 square metres), medium gardens (up to 500 square metres), large gardens (up to 1 000 square metres), sidewalk gardens, neatest street gardens, business gardens, Da Gama Street gardens, school gardens, and edible or fresh produce gardens.
The cost per category is R100 and multiple categories can be entered.
Entries must be submitted by February 28, 2025.
“With the advent of the TuinKoors competition happening around Easter next year, this might be the perfect excuse to let the creative juices flow and get those green fingers working to receive both relatives and the TuinKoors judges to experience the unique merits of your garden,” said Kok.
He recommends that participants consult the information sheet for valuable guidelines and hints on what judges will be evaluating.
“The challenges that JBay’s weather extremes bring are constantly calling for clever planning on the garden front,” said Kok.
“We invite all to rise above these challenges, especially with our summer temperatures rising, and go as wild and water-wise and innovative as true JBay folks always prove themselves to be.”
For more information or to enter the competition, contact Ute Martin at 083 286 4907 or email ute.attiem@gmail.com.
