Has This African City Become the Next Global Art Hub?

Architects impression of Zeitz MOCAA Atrium
Architect's impression of Zeitz MOCAA Atrium | © Heatherwick Studio / Courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA

Freelance Writer - instagram.com/andrewthompsonsa

Until recently Cape Town’s art scene has been fragmented and struggled to gain momentum, but the introduction of the new Zietz Museum of Contemporary African Art is likely to position it as a leading global art hub.

Something artistic has been brewing on the south western tip of the African continent. The city of Cape Town, in South Africa, has seen a dramatic elevation on the world art stage, and with the imminent launch of the 9,000-square-metre Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, this is only set to increase.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Dedicated African Art Fairs Showing Up Around the World

In recent years, African art has received attention in once thought unlikely places. Fairs dedicated to African art have appeared in some of the most revered establishments in London, Paris and New York. The same is true throughout the African continent – cities are showcasing the best of regional art in stunning fashion. Galleries in cities across Africa, from Lagos to Maputo and Addis Ababa, have shown that there is a growing appetite for African art. But nowhere is this more evident than in South Africa, and, more specifically, Cape Town.

Mohau Modisakeng, Ditaolo (Frame V), 2014

The Transformation of a Fragmented Art Scene

Cape Town has established itself as a new art hub on the African continent in recent years. The introduction of the First Thursdays movement, which encourages galleries to stay open late on the first Thursday of every month, has increased the profile of museums and galleries across the city. But the story goes a bit further than the monthly gatherings.

For several years now, suburbs on the fringe of the city centre – primarily that of Woodstock – have embraced an alternative art scene. This started with street art and informal exhibits and galleries. It has now grown into a veritable movement. Woodstock is now home to half a dozen respected museums which display high-end contemporary artworks from across the continent.

The Stevenson gallery in Woodstock, together with the likes of Goodman Gallery and Southern Guild, have laid the perfect foundation for a total transformation of African art on a global scale. And with a refocused industry, the potential for Woodstock to feed off this as a fringe scene is greater than ever.

Stevenson Gallery Exhibition

The Miami of the Southern Hemisphere

The history of art in Cape Town has meant that the movement was somewhat fragmented. With no true focal point or internationally lauded art gallery to pull in the funding and the big pundits, the city was less of an art hub, and more of a hidden gem for enthusiasts willing to seek it out.

All that is about to change, however. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, which will open in September 2017, has had local and foreign critics heralding it as a giant leap forward for the local art scene. It is the first art institution to focus on modern life in Africa, will host the largest collection of African art, and will provide a platform for local talent from across the continent unlike anything before it.

Some, like the United Kingdom’s Independent, have gone as far as to suggest that the new museum will position Cape Town as the Miami of the Southern Hemisphere. The stunning venue, a repurposed old grain silo, has six floors of museum space on which to exhibit works. Much of this will be in the form of a permanent exhibition, donated by co-chair Jochen Zeitz.

Architect’s impression of the interior of Zeitz MOCAA

Political Dissent Driving Creativity

With South Africa currently in one of its most politically volatile states since the end of Apartheid, many believe this is the ideal time for artists in the country to voice their opinions and take a stand.

Local artists such as Brett Murray and Ayanda Mabulu have already created controversies with works depicting political figures in compromising positions. Others have been outspoken about corruption, race relations and political scandals.

Although this will not necessarily be the focus of the new movement on the continent, it will doubtless provide some momentum towards positioning South Africa as a key contemporary African art destination.

Concerns About the Location

For many the decision to make Cape Town an African art hub was a natural one. The existing art scene and the large numbers of discerning tourists who pass through the city and it’s V&A Waterfront mean it has a solid foundation on which to build.

Others are less sure. The small city, often criticised for a lack of true transformation, still has a white population that is not in sync with the demographics of the rest of the country, or continent. For this reason, some believed that a more integrated and more African city would have been the better choice.

And yet, given the Cape Town’s natural beauty, burgeoning art scene and presence on the world stage, it seems as if the move to open the Zeitz Mocca in the city is one that has positioned Cape Town not only as the new continental art hub, but potentially a global one too.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article