The annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns to the Central City in February to showcase the diversity of contemporary art from Africa and the rest of the world.
Now in its seventh edition, and on from 15 to 17 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the organisers of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair have once again pulled out all the stops to ensure that visitors view the best of contemporary African and international art.
The largest event of its kind in Africa, with more than 100 galleries and exhibitors taking part and over 15 000 visitors and 2 815 invited guests, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair offers a platform for collectors, gallery owners, curators, artists and art journalists from across the globe to create connections at the forefront of contemporary art.
According to the event organisers, the Cape Town art scene is currently one of the fastest growing in the world and the city is therefore an ideal location for this showcase. The CEO of the CCID, Tasso Evangelinos, shares the organiser’s sentiments.
“The Cape Town Central City is a must-see cultural hub that boasts art galleries showcasing the finest artists from across the African continent. We are certainly pleased to have a prestigious event such as this one returning to the Cape Town Central City as it not only provides a platform for art but highlights, to the many visitors that attend the event, the wide range of options that are available for all to enjoy in the Central City.”
Besides being treated to works that represent the forefront of the contemporary art scene, local and international visitors will be treated to live performances and various talks. In addition, the organisers of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair are on a mission to take the event beyond the confines of the CTICC.
On 15 February, there will be a special “Gallery Night” event during which visitors will have the opportunity to jump on a bus at the CTICC and enjoy an evening of chauffeured gallery hopping through the CBD and Woodstock. Participating galleries in the CBD area will include 99 Loop, Blank Projects, Ebony/Curated, Gallery MOMO, SMITH and WorldArt. The Iziko South African National Gallery, A4 Art Foundation and the Association for Visual Arts Gallery will also participate.
Here are useful tips from the organisers on how visitors can make the most out of their experience at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair:
- Do some homework
Art fair websites usually contain information on highlights of the exhibition, such as notable galleries that are showcasing at the fair, artworks, artists, talks, workshops and special events. Your research will help you to identify galleries and artworks you would particularly like to see during the event.
- Take your time
Give yourself time to explore the art fair ̶ not just for an hour but for a whole day or even the whole weekend. Allow yourself time to wander around and get a full appreciation of what is on offer.
- Don’t only look
Look out for performance artists. They perform at many art fairs and give attendees the opportunity to look beyond the artworks on display and even become active participants by interacting with the performance artists.
- Remember, art is for all
Art fairs are not just for art connoisseurs. They provide exhilarating opportunities for academics, art students, young people interested in art and the simply curious. Art fairs are also a perfect platform for school learners interested in art as a career to engage with what it means to be an artist.
- Look and learn
If you want to buy an artwork or become a collector, an art fair is a great resource that enables you to identify what is available and within your means. You can also familiarise yourself with the latest developments and trends in the art world by attending talks and workshops, plus you can identify artists whose work you enjoy and get to know them.
- Buying into the art world
The starting point is to buy a work you really love, either as something you can simply enjoy in your home or as an investment which you could sell in the future. A great place for beginners to start is on the fringes of an art fair where young artists who are not yet represented by a gallery often exhibit their work. This can be an enjoyable and affordable way to enter the art world.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 February 2019. For more information, including ticket prices, visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za.
Images by Investec Cape Town Art Fair