Cape Town Spotlights Local Talent at Prestigious Art Fair

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair has always been a magnet for art enthusiasts, drawing attention to both established and upcoming talent from across the globe. This year’s event, which took place over the weekend, was particularly momentous for the local art scene as it featured five burgeoning artists from Cape Town, each benefiting from the city’s Emerging Artist Programme (EAP).

The EAP is an initiative by the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Branch tailored toward nurturing under-resourced talents and catapulting their artistic careers forward. It encompasses a holistic approach by providing training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and crucially, a platform for exhibition. The five artists, Ayabonga Ntshongwana from Langa, Yamkela Madlevu from Khayelitsha, Hari Lualhati from Parklands, Bevan Blankenberg from Northpine, and Fazlin Hoosain from Woodstock, were all under the EAP’s wing, having received comprehensive support to embolden their artistry.

At the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, each artist had the opportunity to exhibit their work at a dedicated booth—an honor that signified the progression and recognition of their craft. Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayco member for community services and health, expressed pride in their selection, emphasizing the talent and preparation the artists exhibited. The readiness of these artists was further honed by a two-day workshop focused on exhibition preparedness, helping them to maximize their participation at the fair.

Each artist brought their unique perspective and dedication to the fair. Ayabonga Ntshongwana, for instance, spoke of the EAP’s role in shaping his professional approach to his art career since joining in 2019. He emphasized how the program facilitated his artistic expression, allowing him to showcase his work on a grander scale. For Yamkela Madlevu, the engagement with experienced industry artists through the EAP workshops provided crucial insights into the professional do’s and don’ts in the art world.

Similarly, Hari Lualhati, another participant, highlighted the significant growth experienced through their journey with the EAP, underlining the passion ignited by the program. Bevan Blankenberg pointed out the practical skills gained from the EAP workshop last year, which enhanced the professionalism seen in his pieces. Moreover, Fazlin Hoosain sees the fair as a stepping stone to not only broaden his artistic horizons but also to establish his presence as a creative entrepreneur in the art and design market.

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024 has been an unforgettable chapter for these artists, a testament to their hard work and the EAP’s efforts in fostering local talent. As these five artists continue their promising careers, the EAP’s role in shaping Cape Town’s creative landscape becomes increasingly evident. The event celebrated not just individual talent but also the broader cultural community that the city is cultivating, one artist at a time.