CAPE TOWN. – Eight new public artworks across Cape Town have been completed over the past year at parks, sports fields, libraries and community facilities.
According to the City of Cape Town, the projects are aimed at depicting local communities' stories and identity while simultaneously providing paid work opportunities to artists.
Public artworks across Cape Town: where the eight projects are located
The artworks were installed during the 2025/26 financial year at Gordon's Bay sports field, Gustrouw sports field in Strand, Blackheath community hall, Virginia Park in Gardens, Bryant Street Park in the Bo-Kaap, Kloof Street Park, Southfield library and Sir Lowry's Pass library.
More than 20 emerging and assistant artists worked alongside eight lead artists on the projects.
Mosaic is first for art programme
The artwork at Sir Lowry's Pass library is the first mosaic commissioned as part of the City's public art programme.
The large-scale mosaic, which also includes painted wall elements, was developed through a community design process and transformed the library's facade into a colourful public landmark.
The artwork reflects Sir Lowry's Pass's landscape, residents, natural beauty and community spirit.
Kerry Atherstone was the lead artist and worked with Charlie Vettori and emerging artists Shannon Davids, Johen Adendorf and Iman Daniels.
Sport and community
The mural at Gordon's Bay sports field focuses on the power of sport to bring people together and the role recreational facilities play in communities.
Angelo Waterloo was the lead artist and was assisted by Marquin van Aarde and Xolisile Sitwayi.
At Gustrouw sports field in Strand, the artwork depicts youth development, sports culture and the bonds formed through shared public spaces. Waterloo worked here with Sydney Shem Lewis and Patricia Abrahams.
Local identity at Blackheath
The artwork at Blackheath community hall reflects different community voices and local memories.
A community programme was held following the completion of the mural at the hall to involve residents further in the artwork.
Rizah Potgieter was the lead artist and was assisted by Nathan Jason and Quinton Doman.
Nature and biodiversity
The mural at Virginia Park in Gardens focuses on biodiversity, environmental conservation and the relationship between people and nature.
Zeenat Isaacs was the lead artist and worked with Thakier Adams, Charlene Bruiners, Nadine Apollis and Zain Mosaval.
Isaacs was also the lead artist on the Bryant Street Park project in the Bo-Kaap. This artwork celebrates the neighbourhood's cultural and religious character as well as values such as tolerance, resilience and mutual respect.
Abdul Malik and Muaath Omar assisted her with this work.
The Kloof Street Park mural focuses on biodiversity within the city and depicts indigenous birds, plants and natural forms.
Potgieter was the lead artist and worked with Cherry Lee Harris and Shalane-Rae Cloete.
Library programmes gain colour
The artwork at Southfield library depicts various activities offered at the library, including reading, coding, chess, art, music, drama, audiobooks and knitting.
Potgieter was also the lead artist on this project. Willow Wicomb, Wesley Segers, Alicia Langley, Léa Nomodoe, Xara Heuvel and Tazneem Newman assisted him.
Artists and communities work together
Councillor Francine Higham, mayoral committee member for community services and health, says the projects demonstrate what is possible when artists and communities work together on public spaces.
Over the past year, eight new artworks have brought local stories, culture and creativity to public spaces across Cape Town while giving emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, says Higham.
She thanked the artists and communities who contributed to the projects.
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Source: City of Cape Town
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
