Cape Town's Emerging Artists Programme showcases human intelligence through art
City initiative
Visitors at the recent art exhibition of young artists hosted by the City of Cape Town.
Image: City of Cape Town
The City's Community, Arts and Culture Development Department has been unlocking opportunities for emerging artists through sustained interventions since 2019, with its latest exhibition at the SA Sendinggestig Museum in Long Street, highlighting human creativity in an increasingly virtual world.
Exhibition explores human intelligence in digital era
The exhibition, currently running at the Cape Town Civic Centre Exhibition Space until 25 October 2025, is the first of three set to take place before the end of the year. The theme centres on displaying human intelligence through art, in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual and populated with questionable data influencing our views on the world.
"In this age of artificial intelligence, we wanted to create a space that celebrates the irreplaceable human touch in artistic expression," said Francine Higham, Mayco member for Community Services and Health.
The 19 artists that participated in an exhibition hosted by the City of Cape Town.
Image: City of Cape Town
Diverse artistic voices from across Cape Town
Nineteen artists from various communities across Cape Town presented artworks telling a visual artistic story of the capabilities of the human mind and the creativity that exists within.The participating artists represent a wide geographical spread, from Gugulethu to Fish Hoek, Woodstock to Somerset West, showcasing Cape Town's diverse creative talent.
The youngest participating artist, 16-year-old Maseeha Kaka, created a striking series of portraits that blend traditional painting techniques with digital elements.
"Being part of this programme has opened doors I never thought possible at my age," said Kaka. "I've learned so much from the other artists and the exhibition workshops."
Building Skills through professional development
The group attended an Exhibition Readiness Workshop on Saturday, 27 September 2025, where they received guidance on presentation techniques, artist statements, and engagement with gallery visitors.
"The Emerging Artists Programme supports artists by providing them with opportunities to help them develop their skills, show their work, and earn an income, and has been driven by the Community, Arts and Culture Department since 2019. The programme has seen hundreds of local talents emerge from their communities to present their work to the world," said Higham.
Investing in Cape Town's creative future
The programme's focus on youth development highlights the City's commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talents."The youngest participating artist is just 16 years old, underlining the Department's investment in our youth. Providing platforms for creative expression builds the city's rich and diverse arts industry and solidifies Cape Town as the art and music capital of the country," Higham said.
Participating artists
The artists who participated in this exhibition were:
- Adeeshtra Govender – Foreshore
- Andrea Moezak – Elsies River
- Aneesa Loonat – University Estate
- Elton Tinovimba Maphosa – Woodstock
- Jannique Gildenhuys-Delport – Kuils River
- Khaya Bobotyana – Gugulethu
- Kimshay Philander – Kensington
- Lindsay Swain – Wetton
- Mark Wright – Sunningdale
- Maseeha Kaka – Fish Hoek
- Mashilo Magongoa – Fish Hoek
- Maxwell Antwi – Maitland
- Muhamed Suhayl Benny – Parow
- Palesa Motheo – Mowbray
- Sabu Magingxa – Eersterivier
- Sbusiso Songelwa – Philippi
- Sothmann Lenvo-Mambimbi – Muizenberg
- Tarryn Hichens – Wynberg
- Wellington Myona – Somerset West
Visiting the exhibition
The exhibition is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Cape Town Civic Centre Exhibition Space, Ground Floor. Admission is free. Guided tours with participating artists are available on Saturdays at 11:00, offering visitors insights into the creative processes behind the artworks.
Opportunities for aspiring artists
Any aspiring artists who wish to participate in the upcoming exhibitions, scheduled for November and December 2025, can apply by emailing [email protected] programme is open to Cape Town residents of all ages, with special consideration given to first-time exhibitors and young artists.