CAPE TOWN: The Cape Town Arts Festival, formerly known as the Cape Town Festival (CTAF), is set to return on December 9-10, 2023, showcasing a diverse array of artistic talent. The event will be held at the Castle of Good Hope, a historic location in the heart of Cape Town.
According to Africa News Agency, Originally conceived in response to the 1998 Planet Hollywood Bombings at the VandA Waterfront, the festival emerged as a symbol of resilience against cultural intolerance and racial violence. Under the leadership of Ryland Fisher and later Yusuf Ganief, the festival has evolved into a dynamic platform for sustainable artist development and community wellbeing.
Ganief’s tenure saw the expansion of the festival, introducing various brands and creating substantial employment opportunities for artists. The recent Beyond Busking Festival Day, held on October 29, 2022, marked a significant achievement for the festival, attracting over 1100 attendees and featuring 425 artists.
The Cape Town Arts Festival is committed to community arts, offering a stage for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Attendees can expect an immersive experience with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and cultural events, celebrating the transformative power of the arts.