Western Cape Arts Festivals

04/06/2026

📣 WE ARE HIRING – SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST!

The Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation and funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), is looking for a creative and passionate Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist to support the Beyond Busking Project (BBP) over a six-month period!

The successful applicant will help promote emerging musicians, music releases, workshops, music videos, and live performances across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

REQUIREMENTS:
✅ Social media management experience
✅ Strong content creation and copywriting skills
✅ Experience with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
✅ Knowledge of analytics and audience growth
✅ Passion for music, arts, and community development.

TO APPLY, SEND:
📌 CV or Company Profile
📌 Portfolio of Work
📌 Two Contactable References
📌 Monthly Fee Proposal

📅 Closing Date: 8 June 2026
📧 Email Applications to [email protected]

Join us in helping emerging musicians share their stories and grow their audiences!

The Beyond Busking Project is proud to be Lotto Funded. We extend our sincere thanks to the National Lottery players; your participation makes these "good-cause" projects possible.

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The NLC wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities, arts, culture and national heritage, and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa's development.

For more information on the National Lotteries Commission, visit www.nlcsa.org.za.

03/06/2026

🎨 CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS IN KNYSNA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF) invites emerging visual artists from Knysna and surrounding communities to apply for participation in a three-month NEFCISA Programme from June to August 2026, implemented in partnership with Music in Africa Foundation and funded by the Social Employment Fund (SEF).

Who Should Apply?
✅ Unemployed visual artists
✅ Painters, illustrators, sculptors, mixed media artists, printmakers, photographers, and other visual creatives
✅ Artists residing in the Knysna and surrounding areas
✅ Artists passionate about nature, heritage, culture, conservation, and storytelling through art

Programme Benefits
🎨 Monthly participation stipend
🎨 Dedicated creative development time – approximately 7 days per month
🎨 Mentorship and professional development opportunities
🎨 Exhibition opportunities through WCAF programmes
🎨 Potential inclusion in the Nature's Language Exhibition at the 2027 Knysna African Arts Festival

Exhibition Theme - Nature's Language
Exploring the relationship between people, nature, indigenous knowledge, heritage, landscapes, wildlife, oceans, forests, and our connection to the natural world.

How to Apply
Send:
• A short artist biography
• 3–5 images of your artwork
• Contact details
• A brief motivation explaining why you would like to participate

📧 Email: [email protected] or Call/Whatsapp Sonwabise Mbalo at (075) 950 1907
📅 Closing Date: 08June 2026

Preference will be given to unemployed artists, youth, women, and artists from underserved communities.

Join us in creating a powerful body of work that celebrates the beauty, wisdom, and stories of nature while building towards one of the Garden Route's most exciting cultural events.

05/05/2026

🎤 APPLICATIONS OPEN: BEYOND BUSKING PROJECT 2026! 🎸

Cape Town musicians! Take your talent beyond the streets. The Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation and funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), presents the 4th edition of the Beyond Busking Project!

We are looking for talented musicians to join a 4-month intensive programme running from June to September 2026.

✨ THE OPPORTUNITY
This program is designed to help local talent reach the next level. Past participants have leveraged this training to:
🌍 Secure international contracts.
🎧 Recorded and produced at top local studios.
📺 Gain major TV, print, and radio exposure.
🔥 Land high-profile performance gigs.

📅 AUDITION DETAILS
DATE: 27 May 2026
TIME: 9 AM – 5 PM
LOCATION: Bertha House, 67- 69 Main Road, Mowbray, Cape Town.
PERFORMANCE: 5-10 mins (preference will be given to musicians who can play an instrument)

🚀 WHAT YOU GET
Professional training in songwriting, vocal tuition, guitar, digital marketing, and professional song production and recording.

📩 HOW TO APPLY
Email: Bio, music links, performance videos & contact info to [email protected]
Call: Thami Baba at 076 882 4570
⚠️ DEADLINE: 24 May 2026

The Beyond Busking Project 2026 is proudly Lotto Funded. We extend our sincere thanks to the National Lottery players; your participation makes these "good-cause" projects possible.

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The NLC wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa's development.

Visit the National Lotteries Commission's website to find out about other projects supported by the NLC.

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28/04/2026

28/04/2026

24/04/2026

🎥HIGHLIGHTS: The Brahma Kumaris South Africa at Knysna African Arts Festival 2026

Experience a moment of stillness at the Brahma Kumaris activation during the Knysna African Arts Festival 2026, held at Loerie Park Stadium on 21 March 2026.

In this video, you see how the Brahma Kumaris created a quiet, welcoming space at the Loerie Park Tennis Club House where visitors stepped away from the noise of the festival to reconnect with themselves. Through guided meditation and reflective practices, people of all ages explored inner strength, clarity, and peace.

Programme highlights featured:
- “Painting Your Inner Canvas” workshop led by the Brahma Kumaris
- “Colours of the Soul” talk focused on self-awareness and emotional balance
- A dedicated children’s session designed to help young participants identify their own “superpower” through simple mindfulness exercises

The space drew steady interest throughout the day, with festivalgoers returning for short sessions to reset and refocus.

This activation added a strong wellness and mindfulness layer to the festival, showing how indigenous arts and inner development work together to support personal and community growth.

🎥 By Nur Felix Film Production

23/04/2026

🎤 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN: BEYOND BUSKING PROJECT 2026! 🎸

The Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation and funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), is thrilled to announce the fourth edition of the Beyond Busking Project (BBP)! We invite all musicians from Cape Town to audition on 27 May 2026 at Bertha House, 67-69 Main Road, Mowbray, Cape Town, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

This prestigious upskilling program offers emerging and established artists comprehensive musical training, personal development, and world-class career opportunities.

✨ WHY AUDITION?
Our previous participants have reached incredible heights, including:
• Securing international performance contracts.
• Producing and releasing original music.
• Recorded and produced at top local studios.
• Gaining major media coverage across TV, print, and radio.
• Landing consistent, high-profile performance gigs.

AUDITION DETAILS:
🗓 Date: 27 May 2026
🕘 Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
📍 Location: Bertha House, 67-69 Main Road, Mowbray, Cape Town
🎸 Performance: 5-10 minutes per performer

WHO CAN APPLY?
Emerging musicians from Cape Town. Preference will be given to artists who both sing and play an instrument. Selected musicians will enter a four-month intensive development training from June to September 2026, covering songwriting, vocal training and stage presence, guitar training, digital marketing, and professional song production and recording.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR SLOT:
Email your bio (CV), music links, performance videos, and contact details to [email protected] or call Thami Baba at 076 882 4570.
⚠️ Closing Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026.

The Beyond Busking Project 2026 is proudly Lotto Funded. We extend our sincere thanks to the National Lottery players; your participation makes these "good-cause" projects possible.

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The NLC wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa's development.

Visit the National Lotteries Commission website to find out about other projects supported by the NLC.

🌟 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your music career!

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22/04/2026

🎭 AIR Dance Challenge – HIGHLIGHTS 🎭
The stage at Loerie Park was absolutely electric! 🔥✨

It was an incredible Human Rights Day at the Knysna African Arts Festival 2026 as dancers from Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Kranshoek joined us for the AIR Dance Challenge. From the powerful, traditional rhythms of Umxhentso to the modern energy of Amapiano and Hip Hop, the talent on display was world-class.

🏆 A huge congratulations once again to our winners:
- 1st Place: Sbahle Ngema (Solo)
- 2nd Place: Thole Traditional Dancers (Group)

⚖️ Recognizing Our Judges:
We are so grateful to our panel of judges for their time, guidance, and dedication to our local performers:
- Bongeka Sinyekemba (Damsebos Game Changers)
- Karen Kretschmer (Alive Life Entertainment)
- Veronica Harris (Sakuluntu)

The AIR Dance Challenge is all about giving our youth the platform to shine and step into the creative economy through their art. Thank you to everyone who came out to support! 🌟

Check out the photo gallery below for all the best moments! 👇

📸 Images by: George Photography Agency

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21/04/2026

📸 HIGHLIGHTS: Nature's Language - Birds of Ancients Exhibition (KAAF) 🦅✨

Reflecting on a powerful Human Rights Day spent at the Loerie Park Tennis Club House. We are proud to share this gallery of highlights, capturing a day where art, heritage, and freedom of expression came together beautifully.

A massive thank you to our contributing artists whose work spoke volumes:
Stanley Grootboom | Anthony Roach | Gatsby Mpoyi | Khangelani Ngcwembei | Siphamandla Mphathi | Siphesihle Mrebi | Xolani Sibiya | Michael Nyoni

The exhibition opening was a momentous occasion for the arts in Knysna. We extend our deepest gratitude to Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika, the legendary Prof Dizu Plaatjies, and the various special guests and speakers who joined us to officially open the doors. Your presence highlighted the connection between our leadership and our cultural heritage.

🙏 Special Thanks
✅ Executive Mayor Thando Matika for his invaluable support of the arts.
✅ Prof Dizu Plaatjies and Stanley Grootboom for their presence and cultural leadership.
✅ Loerie Park Tennis Club for providing a wonderful venue and hosting our community.
✅ All our guest speakers who shared their passion and insights for the visual arts.

The Knysna African Arts Festival 2026 is presented by Western Cape Arts Festivals, powered by Ariva Arts Foundation in partnership with Knysna Municipality and Premier Hotels & Resorts, and funded by the Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme Cycle 6.

📸 by George Photography Agency

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