Our Cape Town Heritage

05/06/2026

08/05/2026

We are thrilled to announce that our exclusive Our Cape Town Heritage (OCTH) tote bags are now available for purchase at the beautiful Cape Heritage Hotel, located in the heart of the iconic Heritage Square. Both the Cape Heritage Hotel and OCTH are deeply committed to celebrating and preserving the rich, diverse heritage of the Mother City in South Africa.
Currently, every cent from your purchase sustains our essential operational costs, keeping our heritage projects active and impactful.
Our BIG goal: As we grow and our vision expands, 20% of all sales will go directly into a dedicated fund for marginalised artists, ensuring that the creative voices that define our city’s history remain vibrant and heard.
How you can help:
📍 Swing by the Cape Heritage Hotel (Bree St) and pick up your bag today.
📸 Tag us in a photo with your tote to spread the word!

Next time you’re in the CBD, stop by the hotel to pick up a piece of heritage you can carry with you.

01/05/2026

Our upcoming exhibitions will take attendees on a thought-provoking journey through the contradictory landscapes of a prominent natural landmark, revealing layers of significance that resonate deeply within communities whose stories have often been overshadowed. Here, the interplay of history and geography creates a rich backdrop for narratives of sanctuary and resilience that challenge conventional perspectives.

We will also delve into the rich undercurrents of social interaction found within the bustling heart of the city, where unexpected alliances formed among its diverse inhabitants. This exploration will invite visitors to consider how the fabric of society has been woven through shared struggles, highlighting the complexities of identity shaped by those in power and by those who navigated the intricate pathways of life under the weight of adversity.

We intend to examine the silent yet powerful expressions that emerge in urban spaces, where the markings left behind serve as poignant reflections of lived experiences. These poignant declarations serve as reflections of identity and belonging, celebrating the voices of those often pushed to the periphery, forging connections that resonate through time and invite deeper contemplation of our collective legacy.

Visit ourcapetownheritage.org to subscribe and stay updated.

24/04/2026

Exciting exhibitions await as our team delves into the rich tapestry of Cape Town's heritage. In our upcoming programmes for the year, we’ll uncover hidden narratives embedded within familiar landscapes, inviting audiences to discover complexities that spark curiosity and reflection.

We are thrilled to showcase new artists whose innovative visions breathe life into our cultural legacy. Their work intertwines the past and present, illuminating untold stories and inviting meaningful conversations about the essence of our shared heritage.

Our exhibitions will explore themes of resilience and mental health, capturing the spirit of survival through evocative storytelling. This exploration promises to create a dynamic space for introspection and connection, celebrating the vibrant narratives and history that define our community and inspire future generations as we remain busy hard at work behind the scenes.

Visit www.ourcapetownheritage.org to stay updated.

25/03/2026

ARTIST APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR 2026 IS 07 APRIL 

We invite you to submit your artist application and showcase your work with us, shining a spotlight on the remarkable talents of Cape Town's artists. We understand that artists require support after exhibitions, and we are committed to providing that assistance to those we believe in. 

Our network officially includes well-established organizations and respected international entities eager to discover fresh talent that we advocate for. We carefully handpick artists that fit our criteria including demonstrating reliability, commitment, growth, and the ability to work collaboratively. In addition to sharing their names, we provide their resumes along with our comprehensive reports.

Together, we can help create pathways for your growth and help you reach a wider audience. Visit ourcapetownheritage.org for more.

21/03/2026

On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, we celebrate the conclusion of Ramadaan and the rich cultural tapestry that defines our community. This time of reflection and gratitude allows us to honour the diverse traditions that shape our identity. Each family’s unique customs, from traditional feasts to communal prayers, add vibrancy to our shared heritage, reminding us of the beauty of our cultural mosaic.

As we gather with loved ones, let us also remember the values of compassion and unity that are at the heart of our celebrations. Eid is a time for forgiveness and goodwill, a moment to reinforce our bonds with one another. In a city as diverse as Cape Town, our strength lies in our ability to embrace and respect each other's backgrounds, fostering an environment of understanding and camaraderie among all community members.

13/03/2026

Call for Submissions: Embracing Cape Town’s Cultural Heritage

Attention, artists of Cape Town! Your creativity is vital in exploring and representing our city’s rich cultural heritage. We deeply appreciate all the artworks you've submitted thus far and are excited to announce our final open call for submissions.

We've expanded our themes to include two new topics that invite a keen eye for detail and an authentic connection to our cultural identity. We seek artwork that thoughtfully explores the unique stories and traditions that make Cape Town vibrant.

Your work has the potential to cultivate connection and open dialogue within our community. We especially encourage marginalized artists to share how their perspectives contribute to preserving our culture and heritage.

This is an opportunity to showcase your artistic vision and engage with fresh ideas. Selected artworks will benefit from exhibitions and promotions across our platforms, providing you a chance to reach a larger audience and connect with fellow creators and community members.

How to Apply:
Visit our website at ourcapetownheritage.org to submit your applications or email your artwork to [email protected] Please use the chosen topic as the subject line to ensure efficient processing of your submission.

Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful contribution to Cape Town's rich cultural tapestry!

20/02/2026

At Our Cape Town Heritage, we view history not merely as a sequence of events, but as a vibrant landscape of stories that continue to shape us. Our heritage is a treasure trove of stories, emotions, and experiences that paint the picture of who we are as a community. It’s crucial to cherish this rich legacy while understanding that our ultimate growth lies in how we interpret and learn from it - the past offers invaluable lessons, but our true strength comes from using those insights to drive progress and innovation. We can break cycles of misunderstanding and create spaces for healing, creativity, and dialogue by learning from our history.

Art allows us to explore significant historical moments, from the pain of apartheid to the resilience during the fight for freedom, cultivating a deeper understanding of their impact on our society today. Utilizing various art forms—whether visual, musical, or performative—we can unpack the complexities of our past and present them in engaging and accessible ways. Each artistic expression acts as a bridge to insights that might otherwise remain buried. We believe that art serves as a powerful vehicle for educating our community about this history, transforming it into a living dialogue that informs and inspires. 

Through educational art exhibitions, workshops and public performances, we create platforms where the voices of our ancestors are amplified, encouraging reflection on their lessons while igniting curiosity about our future. Together, we can weave a future that respects our past, embraces our diverse voices, and inspires collaboration across all sectors of society - by using art to educate about our heritage, we create pathways for dialogue, healing, and collective growth. 

Let’s embrace our cultural heritage as a springboard for positive change, ensuring that while we learn from the past, we are dedicated to moving boldly into a promising tomorrow for all!

20/02/2026

ART AS A GATEWAY TO HERITAGE 

Promoting marginalized artists can present a significant challenge, particularly in the context of Cape Town's landscape, which tends to be quite insular. The prevailing issue faced is that the local scene often prioritizes well-known artists, leaving little room for up-and-coming talents who may not yet have established a strong following.

The cliquish nature of the community can create barriers for unknown artists, making it difficult to gain visibility and recognition. As a result, the rich diversity of artistic expression that exists within marginalized groups is frequently overlooked, limiting opportunities for artists to share their work and connect with broader audiences.

Addressing this imbalance requires a concerted effort to provide inclusivity and support, regardless of their popularity, to ensure that the vibrant tapestry of Cape Town is fully represented. Creating a more open and supportive community, we can create opportunities for a broader range of voices to be heard and appreciated, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of the city.

Visit ourcapetownheritage.org to find out how you can help make a difference and preserve heritage and culture.

29/01/2026

As the exhibition wrapped up on Saturday, we took a moment to reflect on the fruitful collaboration we established with the lovely team at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation Legacy. The collaboration highlighted the shared values and vision that both organizations hold dear. Throughout the exhibition, we witnessed the profound impact of the foundation's work, which emphasizes social justice, equality, and human rights. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate individuals and look forward to future endeavours.

Congratulations to the artists whose work resonated with the audience, both young and old, creating a meaningful understanding that enriched the overall experience of the exhibition. It was particularly rewarding to have our Head Curator present during the final walkabout and on the last day of the exhibition, where she and the artist engaged with high school learners and the audience, providing a deeper connection with the audience.

The exhibition captivated viewers and sparked important conversations, while greatly fulfilling crucial aspects within our mission and revealing new challenges that we are eager to address in the future. Looking ahead, we are filled with enthusiasm about the myriad of opportunities that lie ahead in 2026, as we continue to progress toward our mission incrementally. Thank you to everyone who played a role in the success of the exhibition; your contributions have been truly invaluable.

Visit www.ourcapetownheritage.org to find out more about us