Eight new public artworks have been completed at parks, sports grounds, libraries and community facilities across Cape Town over the past year, creating opportunities for artists while celebrating the stories and identities of local communities.

For more than 10 years, the Arts and Culture Development Branch has facilitated public artworks as part of its efforts to promote art and provide opportunities for emerging artists.

The eight artworks completed in the past financial year are at:

• Gordon’s Bay Sportsfield
• Gustrouw Sportsfield, Strand
• Blackheath Community Hall
• Virginia Park, Gardens
• Bryant Street Park, Bo-Kaap
• Kloof Street Park
• Southfield Library
• Sir Lowry’s Pass Library

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

Sir Lowry’s Pass Library

The Sir Lowry’s Pass artwork marks a milestone for the programme as its first commissioned mosaic. Developed through a process where the community helped design the artwork, following the City’s Cool Spaces initiative, the large-scale mosaic includes painted mural elements and has transformed the library’s front wall 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.

Gordon’s Bay Sportsfield

Developed through a community-led design process, the mural celebrates the unifying power of sport and the important role that recreational spaces play within communities.

The lead artist is Angelo Waterloo, assisted by emerging artists Marquin van Aarde and Xolisile Sitwayi.

Gustrouw Sportsfield, Strand

The mural celebrates youth development, sporting culture and the strength of community connections formed through shared public spaces.

The lead artist is Angelo Waterloo, assisted by emerging artists Sydney Shem Lewis and Patricia Abrahams.

Blackheath Community Hall

The artwork reflects a range of community voices, showing how collaborative public art can turn public buildings into meaningful expressions of local identity and shared memory.

Following the completion of the mural, an event was held on site to celebrate the artwork and deepen community engagement.

The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter, assisted by Nathan Jason and Quinton Doman.

Virginia Park, Gardens

The Virginia Park mural explores themes of caring for the environment, plant and animal life, and coexistence, encouraging visitors to recognise the relationship between people and the natural environment.

The artists who worked on the mural are leading artist Zeenat Isaacs and emerging artists Thakier Adams, Charlene Bruiners, Nadine Apollis and Zain Mosaval.

Bryant Street Park, Bo-Kaap

This artwork celebrates the unique cultural and religious landscape of the Bo-Kaap and the values of coexistence, resilience and mutual respect that have shaped the neighbourhood over generations.

The lead artist is Zeenat Isaacs, assisted by emerging artists Abdul Malik and Muaath Omar.

Kloof Street Park

The Kloof Street Park mural celebrates urban plant and animal life and the everyday encounters between people and nature that occur within public green spaces.

The mural features a collection of indigenous birds, plants and natural forms arranged within a colourful landscape of organic shapes and flowing lines.

The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter, assisted by Cherry Lee Harris and Shalane-Rae Cloete.

Southfield Library

The artwork reflects reading, coding, chess, art, music, drama, audio books, knitting and community programmes.

The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter, assisted by emerging artists Willow Wicomb, Wesley Segers, Alicia Langley, Léa Nomodoe, Xara Heuvel and Tazneem Newman.

‘These artworks show what public art can do when artists and communities are given the opportunity to create something together. 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

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