{"id":296189,"date":"2026-03-16T13:24:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T11:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:31:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T11:31:08","slug":"picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Picturesque Eastern Free State soon to host Clarens Arts Festival 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>CLARENS \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/clarensartsfestival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Clarens Arts Festival<\/a> will this year take place from 24 to 27 April, bringing four days of visual arts exhibitions,\u00a0live\u00a0performances and\u00a0book talks\u00a0to the village of Clarens in the Eastern Free State, in addition to creative\u00a0workshops, nature\u00a0outings\u00a0and events for children.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosted for a fifth\u00a0time,\u00a0the festival has developed into an established cultural event that attracts visitors, writers,\u00a0performers\u00a0and art enthusiasts from across South Africa. The\u00a0village of Clarens becomes the\u00a0canvas, with\u00a0events\u00a0taking\u00a0place across multiple venues\u00a0with\u00a0galleries, restaurants,\u00a0studios\u00a0and public spaces participating.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens has long been recognised for its strong arts culture and thriving gallery community. During the festival, the village becomes a walkable arts destination where visitors can move between\u00a0four different\u00a0exhibition\u00a0spaces,\u00a0attend live\u00a0performances,\u00a0sit in on book\u00a0discussions\u00a0and\u00a0get their creative side going with hands-on\u00a0workshops hosted throughout the town.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival has added to its programme by including events specifically designed to engage children and experience the natural wonder and beauty Clarens has to offer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each year the festival attracts audiences from major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria,\u00a0Durban\u00a0and Bloemfontein, contributing to the region\u2019s cultural tourism and creative economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Programming is presented in Afrikaans,\u00a0English\u00a0and Sotho, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Free State. This multilingual approach forms an important part of the festival\u2019s commitment to accessibility and cultural representation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exhibitions\">Exhibitions\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual arts&nbsp;remain&nbsp;a central component&nbsp;of the Clarens Arts Festival. The 2026 exhibitions programme will feature curated presentations that highlight both contemporary artistic practice and cultural heritage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, visitors can look forward to\u00a0a feature collection from\u00a0world renown artist and sculptor Anton Smit,\u00a0titled <em>Chronicles of Faith<\/em>, as well as a carefully curated ceramic art exhibition titled <em>Highveld Ceramics<\/em> showing the work of Eugene Hon, John Shirley and Michelle Legg.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"548\" height=\"682\" data-attachment-id=\"296191\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/kevin-collins-copy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kevin-Collins-copy.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"548,682\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"kevin-collins\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A piece created by ceramic artist Kevin Collins.  PHOTO: Supplied&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kevin-Collins-copy.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kevin-Collins-copy.jpg\" alt=\"A ceramic work of art by Kevin Collins. Visual arts will be part of the festival offering. \" class=\"wp-image-296191\" style=\"width:360px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kevin-Collins-copy.jpg 548w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kevin-Collins-copy-241x300.jpg 241w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A piece created by ceramic artist Kevin Collins.  PHOTO: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival will also present a\u00a0curated\u00a0Basotho blanket exhibition, celebrating the cultural significance of the Basotho heritage blanket. The exhibition includes designs created by young Basotho designers, as well as works from the My Africa Designer Collection,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0the historical and symbolic importance of these textiles. The exhibition will be hosted on the Clarens Village Square during the festival.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another of the exhibitions\u00a0on offer\u00a0presents\u00a0a collection of artworks that reflect a variety of mediums and artistic approaches from\u00a0artists\u00a0residing\u00a0across South Africa.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-performing-arts\">Performing arts \u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The performing arts programme forms an important part of the festival\u2019s cultural offering&nbsp;and&nbsp;aims to&nbsp;showcase&nbsp;a variety of disciplines while&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;an accessible and intimate setting for audiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Festivalgoers\u00a0can expect a range of performances, including\u00a0jazz and Latin\u00a0music\u00a0from Josh Mokoena and Heinrich Pelser; theatre\u00a0with the\u00a0Afrikaans productions <em>Seun <\/em>and <em>Ingrid: &#8216;n\u00a0Vlam\u00a0in die\u00a0Sneeu<\/em>;\u00a0as well as a\u00a0one of a kind\u00a0performance by the\u00a0Odeion\u00a0String Quartet with world-renowned soprano Nonzwakazi\u00a0and\u00a0pianist Megan Geoffry-Prins.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-attachment-id=\"296192\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/ingrid-n-vlam-in-die-sneeu\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu-.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"600,600\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Ingrid n Vlam in die Sneeu\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu-.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu-.jpg\" alt=\"Ingrid 'n Vlam in die sneeu is one of the performing arts highlights at the  Clarens Arts Festival.\" class=\"wp-image-296192\" style=\"width:484px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu-.jpg 600w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu--300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ingrid-n-Vlam-in-die-Sneeu--150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Seun <\/em>will be one of the performing arts highlights of the festival,<em> <\/em>on 25 April, while an eagerly\u00a0anticipated\u00a0performance on 26 April is be <em>The Hills are Alive!<\/em>\u00a0<strong>\u2013<\/strong> a celebration of song with the Bloemfontein Children\u2019s Choir.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-literature-and-public-dialogue\">Literature and public dialogue\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival\u2019s literary programme provides opportunities for audiences to engage with writers, journalists and commentators through talks, panel discussions,\u00a0poetry\u00a0and readings.\u00a0There is also opportunity to sit across the dinner table from some of the authors, with the \u201cDining with the Writers\u201d and \u201cEet\u00a0saam met die\u00a0skrywers\u201d events. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sessions cover a wide range of topics including South African politics, travel writing, memoir, fiction and contemporary cultural issues. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the highlights of the festival will be a public talk with acclaimed author Antjie\u00a0Krog,\u00a0who will be chatting with former<em> Carte Blanche<\/em> anchor and journalist Ruda Landman. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There will also be a\u00a0free\u00a0poetry session on 24 April, which will includes\u00a0performances by Helena Hettema, Professor Rethabile\u00a0Possa, Siphokazi Jonas<strong> <\/strong>and<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Zama\u00a0Madinana.\u00a0This is the opening event of the Clarens Arts Festival and is a real celebration of heritage and culture \u2013 all are welcome to attend for free. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 25\u00a0April a public dialogue is hosted with acclaimed economist Dawie Roodt\u00a0on the future of the South African economy. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-workshops\">Workshops \u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A number of\u00a0creative writing and cooking\u00a0workshops are\u00a0also\u00a0presented during the festival, providing participants with opportunities to explore creative disciplines\u00a0such as painting with a sip and paint workshop, as well as exploring the foundations of pottery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors\u00a0can also\u00a0develop\u00a0their\u00a0practical skills\u00a0with a grief writing workshop hosted by Melinda Ferguson and a cooking demo and lunch with Elmarie Berry.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-children-s-programme\">Children\u2019s Programme\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, the Clarens Arts Festival has included something for every member of the family. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the puppet show and Hooked on Books events appealing to the smaller kids, older children can also be involved in a creative\u00a0kids\u00a0workshops or enjoy a night at the museum learning all about the Clarens Dinosaurs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-attachment-id=\"296193\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/hooked-on-books-wiggly-and-woggly-show\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show-.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"600,600\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Hooked on Books Wiggly and Woggly Show\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show-.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show-.jpg\" alt=\"Hooked on Books at the Clarens Arts Festival scheduled for 25 April 2026 at the golf club.\" class=\"wp-image-296193\" style=\"width:482px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show-.jpg 600w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show--300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hooked-on-Books-Wiggly-and-Woggly-Show--150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nature-events\">Nature events\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first time, festival goers will get the opportunity to be emersed in the natural beauty surrounding the village of Clarens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can choose from\u00a0a\u00a0guided experience in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with Dr Gideon Groenewald; a historic tour looking at Surrender Hill and the Boer War with Charl Wessels; or they can enjoy a poetic and visual journey through the stars\u00a0with Clarens Stargazing Tours.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/reel-ubuntu-film-festival-to-showcase-local-talent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reel Ubuntu Film Festival to showcase local talent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clarens becomes a walkable arts destination; visitors move between exhibition spaces, attend performances, sit in on book discussions and get creative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":296194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_inclusive_language_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","_crsspst_to_novanewscoza":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozabloemnewsexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozacityvision":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozadistrictmailhelderberg":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaeikestadnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozahermanustimes":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakomani-karoo":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakougaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozamthathaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozanoordkaapbulletin":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapaarlpost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeoplespost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaswartlandgazette":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozatygerburger":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaudexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavistanews":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweskusnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweslander":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaworcesterstandard":false,"_eb_attr":"","_EventAllDay":"","_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":"","_EventShowMapLink":"","_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":"","_EventVenueID":"","_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":"","_VenueShowMapLink":"","_application":"","_batch_id":"","_company_name":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_company_website":"","_custom_id":"","_EventDuration":"","_EventOrigin":"","_EventTimezoneAbbr":"","_featured":"","_filled":"","_job_expires":"","_job_location":"","_media_credit":"","_media_credit_url":"","_menu_item_menu_item_parent":"","_menu_item_object":"","_menu_item_object_id":"","_menu_item_target":"","_menu_item_type":"","_menu_item_url":"","_menu_item_xfn":"","_navis_media_can_distribute":"","_navis_media_credit_org":"","_OrganizerOrigin":"","_provider":"","_pum_built_in":"","_pum_default_theme":"","_pum_form_conversion_count":"","_remote_id":"","_remote_name":"","_remote_position":"","_report_frequency":"","_report_reference_dates":"","_send_attempts":"","_site_id":"","_sitemap_exclude":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_sitemap_priority":"","_source_url":"","_subscription_period":"","_subscription_period_interval":"","_subscription_price":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":"","_template_type":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_tribe_aggregator_allow_multiple_organizers":"","_tribe_aggregator_content_type":"","_tribe_aggregator_file":"","_tribe_aggregator_finalized":"","_tribe_aggregator_hash":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_id":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_interactive":"","_tribe_aggregator_origin":"","_tribe_aggregator_post_status":"","_tribe_aggregator_preview":"","_tribe_aggregator_source_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_type":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_hide_attendees_list":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":"","_tribe_ticket_version":"","_type":"","_VenueOrigin":"","_wp_attachment_context":"","_wp_attachment_image_alt":"","_wp_font_face_file":"","_wp_old_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":"1","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_block-catalog":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"8347","_yoast_wpseo_primary_job_listing_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_nova_retailer":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_publication":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_tribe_events_cat":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-duration":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-rating":"0","_menu_item_classes":[],"_tribe_modified_fields":[],"_wp_attachment_backup_sizes":[],"_wp_suggested_privacy_policy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This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Picturesque Eastern Free State soon to host Clarens Arts Festival 2026 | VrystaatKroon<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hosted a fifth\u00a0time,\u00a0the festival has developed into an established cultural event attracting visitors, writers,\u00a0performers\u00a0and art enthusiasts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/picturesque-eastern-free-state-soon-to-host-clarens-arts-festival-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Picturesque Eastern Free State soon to host Clarens Arts Festival 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hosted 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