JEFFREYS BAY – Residents and visitors to Jeffreys Bay are curious to know what is happening on the open piece of land in St Francis Street, with the activity going on.
The large billboard advertising the second Kunskoors next year is the clue.
Festival director, Soria Swart says: “At Kunskoors, we believe in leaving our beautiful town, Jeffreys Bay, better than we found it, every single year. Each year, we want to add something permanent and of value to our community, something that enriches our town long after the festival has ended.
“For 2026, we have taken on a project very close to our hearts: the big open piece of land at the corner of St Francis Street, right at the entrance to our Central Business District. This piece of land has stood undeveloped for years, an eyesore at the gateway to our town.”
Art in all its forms, including gardens
Kunskoors has always celebrated art in all its forms: music, theatre, literature, visual arts, dance and more.
“But art also lives in the earth, in the textures and colours of plants and in the creative expression of every garden. That is why we launched TuinKoors, a natural extension of the Kunskoors vision,”added Swart.
TuinKoors is all about cultivating beauty, connection and pride in Jeffreys Bay. It aims to encourage residents, schools, churches, guesthouses and businesses to create and maintain beautiful, thriving gardens that reflect a collective love for this town.
“Our dream is to see Jeffreys Bay flourish not only during the three days of Kunskoors from 1-3 May, but also throughout the year, creating a community that is vibrant, healthy, and inspiring.
Octopus’s arms symbolise various arts
JBay is a town known not only for its waves but also for its depth in culture, creativity and community spirit. “We aim to broaden the brand of Jeffreys Bay beyond being ‘just a surf town,’ positioning it as a full-rounded lifestyle destination of quality and excellence, where art, music, theatre, literature, and beauty enrich daily life,”said Swart.
Tuinkoors is working with two of South Africa’s most exceptional landscape architects, whose experience and vision have shaped this garden into a state-of-the-art design.
It will become a welcoming and inspiring landmark for residents, visitors and future investors alike.
Adding to its beauty, a local sculptor is creating a magnificent octopus sculpture, a symbol that perfectly captures the spirit of Jeffreys Bay: the ocean, calamari industry and the deep connection of the community to the sea.
Inspired by the world-renowned South African film My Octopus Teacher, which showcased the nation’s creativity to the world, this sculpture will shine a light on Jeffreys Bay and its people in the same way.
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