Young aspiring artists have an opportunity to gain exposure and experience through the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artist Programme, with applications now open for 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the programme creates opportunities for visual artists, providing mentorship, skills development and exhibition opportunities for around 200 emerging artists each year — the vast majority youth.
Through the City’s partnership with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, four emerging artists are showcased annually — and in recent editions, those artists have sold out, proving that when pathways are built, young people will take them.
The call for participation in 2026 is currently open and will close on Friday 13 February. The programme is for early-career artists seeking practical skills, mentorship and exhibition experience – only 25 slots are available.
An exhibition to showcase the artwork will be held in May, providing participants with an opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt during training and offering a chance to sell their artwork.
Arts Aweh!
Meanwhile, the Arts Aweh! programme continues as a free creative after-school initiative for learners aged 5 to 17, offering activities including drawing, painting, photography, hip hop, dance, performance, poetry, clay and beading.
The programme has proved incredibly popular, with 64 819 engagements recorded for the period November 2024 to June 2025. During that period, 3 173 learners participated at 13 facilities and the programme created 36 employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme.
This year’s programme started at various venues in Mfuleni, Pelican Park, Hanover Park and Athlone on 8 January, and has already reached more than 2 000 young people. Additional venues will be added in the coming months, with the programme concluding on 26 May 2026.
Participants can attend the programme from Mondays to Fridays between 14:00 and 17:00. The programme is free, and participants are supplied with all materials and art supplies. Upon completion, artwork will be exhibited at various City facilities.
“Arts programmes like these give young people safe spaces to learn, express themselves and build confidence through creativity. We have seen great appetite in the past for these programmes, and I’m hoping this year will be no different. I encourage learners and aspiring young artists to make the most of these platforms, and I am looking forward to seeing their creations at the exhibitions stage,” said Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.
Applications and information:
Emerging Artist Programme: Send an email to emerging@capetown.gov.za or visit https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Arts-and-culture/artists-programme/emerging-artist-programme
Arts Aweh! Programme: Contact Aleeyah.Baker@capetown.gov.za
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