The 12th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, taking place from 21 – 23 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, offers a dynamic blend of art, culture and experiences. Explore engaging talks, curated art walks and unique opportunities to connect with galleries and artists. Capture a playful moment at the fair with renowned photographer Trevor Stuurman, or head to The Outdoor Courtyard to unwind. Later, make your way to The Gin Bar, the fair’s official after-hours Art Hub, where you can connect with fellow art lovers and enjoy curated cocktails paired with a DJ line-up.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Africa’s largest and only international contemporary art fair, will feature 124 exhibitors, including galleries from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, with a record-breaking 30 first-time participants. According to Laura Vincenti, Director of Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the 2025 edition is the team’s most ambitious yet. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what an art fair can be, continuing to innovate and elevate our position on the global art stage,” says Vincenti. The 2025 curatorial theme PLAY invites each curated section to question, engage and unpack its conceptual possibilities. PLAY invites visitors to reimagine the role of art as an interactive and transformative experience, with a focus on artistic process and experimentation.
Here are five ways you too can engage with the theme of PLAY, transforming your experience at this year’s fair.
PLAY for the day (or the weekend)
For first-time visitors and buyers, the fair may feel overwhelming in terms of the sheer volume of art to take in. New visitors and buyers are encouraged to take their time to explore, learn and PLAY. “Collect your visitors’ guide at the entrance, then spend the day – or even the weekend – exploring the fair. Together with friends, experience the art, vibrant atmosphere, food, thought-provoking talks programme, engaging guided art walks and captivating performances,” says Mia Louw, Investec Cape Town Art Fair’s Galleries and Special Projects Manager. “Be open about your tastes and preferences,” continues Louw. “Build relationships with galleries to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the art that resonates with you. Many of the artists also attend the fair, offering you the opportunity to meet them and learn more about their work firsthand.”
“After a day of taking in all the art, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Zuney will be serving up their delicious wagyu burgers, alongside local vendors THE KHAYA PIZZA JOINT and Unframed Ice Cream onsite at The Outdoor Courtyard,” adds Louw.
Art for PLAY
Come and PLAY! The curated sections of the fair take inspiration from the notion of PLAY. Vincenti explains play as “three dynamic and interconnected facets of the art world: play as creativity, play as curiosity, and play as action,”and everyone is invited to join in. This vibrant spirit of PLAY is reflected in the works of artists showcasing in the curated sections, each offering their unique interpretation of the theme and creating a diverse and interactive experience for all to engage with. Visitors, however, can find elements of PLAY throughout the fair, with artists in the Main section also incorporating playfulness into their practice.
Cape Town-based artist Geena Wilkinson (WORLDART) brings a playful approach to her work, using ceramic and hand-cast resin to explore themes of history, memory and nostalgia. Through her whimsical depictions of confectionery, from jawbreakers to Chappies, sour sweets to Bubbaloo, she taps into the collective memories of childhood, inviting reflection on how these sugary treats shape our past and question what might have been if there were an alternative ending.
Japanese artist Takeshi Matsugami (Schönfeld Gallery) is known for his vibrant, energetic paintings that blend elements of pop art and neo-expressionism that offer comfort in the face of discomfort. His work often features everyday objects and scenes, painted with bold brushstrokes and bright colours, creating a synthesis of both Western and Eastern artistic traditions.
Matthew Attard (Galleria Michela Rizzo) is celebrated for his innovative approach to drawing and multimedia art. His work examines images as social and cultural constructs, highlighting the performative and time-based aspects of drawing, while inviting the viewer to reconsider the role of images in shaping identity and meaning.
Wolfram Ullrich (Dep Art Gallery) is a contemporary German artist celebrated for his innovative approach to painting and sculpture. His work delves into the dynamic interplay between geometric forms, bold colours and spatial perception, challenging the viewer’s understanding of space. By combining his expertise in both art and art history, Ullrich creates pieces that invite a deeper engagement with the optical and spatial qualities of his art.
The Art of PLAY: Talks and Art Walks
For first-time visitors, the Art Walks programme, curated by Art School Africa, offers a perfect way to explore the fair, gain an overview of the exhibitors and deepen their understanding of the artists and artworks on display. These guided tours are complimentary for all ticket holders.
According to Louw, visitors to the fair can also look forward to an exceptional programme of engaging talks and panel discussions curated by Art School Africa and supported by iTOO Artinsure. Thought leaders, art market professionals and industry experts will share valuable insights on a host of topics, including The Role of Digital Media and Film in Contemporary Art with Iole Pellion di Persano (Founder of Recontemporary) as moderator, supported by the Italian Culture Institute of Pretoria, alongside a world-class group of speakers. This discussion will focus on how digital platforms are transforming the art scene, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges digital media presents for artists and collectors.
Another talk, The Power of Art in Global Brand Collaborations, will examine how local artists are reshaping global industries through partnerships with major brands like Dior and Adidas, driving innovation and cultural development. Imagining a Brighter Future Through Environmental and Social Responsibility, moderated by Virginia MacKenny (Associate Professor of Michaelis School of Fine Art), will explore how art professionals like David Brits (Artist), Teresa Kutala Firmino (Artist) and Khanyisile Mbongwa (Curator Stellenbosch Triennale and Artist) are using their work to tackle pressing environmental and social issues.
The Impact of Contemporary Art from Africa on Global Narratives panel discussion, moderated by Julia Buchanan Swart, Founder of Art School Africa, will bring together leading voices to explore the profound impact of contemporary African art on global cultural and artistic narratives. With panellists including Hannah O’Leary, (Head of Modern and Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s London) and Billie Zangewa, a Malawian-born, South-African based artist, alongside Lauren Tate Baeza (Fred and Rita Richman Curator of African Art at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta), this talk will offer a multidimensional look at how African artists are reshaping global narratives and contributing fresh, innovative practices to the art world.
Fair goers can also join artists Koos Groenewald, Zander Blom, Helena Uambembe and Luca Evans for Bringing the Studio to the Fair, where the theme of PLAY inspires an innovative take on artist talks. Moving away from traditional presentations, Groenewald will moderate the discussion as the artists respond to spontaneous prompts, offering the audience a glimpse into their creative process. This interactive, unscripted event is intended to break down the barriers between the studio and the fair, creating a dynamic, engaging experience that fosters connection and celebrates artistic freedom.
The full programme of talks, guided art walks and the Unbound City public programme can be found here.
PLAY in the city
From Loop and Long Street, to the Silo District and Stellenbosch, the fair’s citywide activations and Unbound City public programme invite art lovers to discover Cape Town’s vibrant art scene beyond the fair. Local museums and galleries across the city will host exclusive events, offering a unique opportunity to engage with exhibitions and works by renowned artists in a relaxed, social setting. Spaces are limited and highly sought after, so it’s recommended that you reserve your spot in advance through the fair’s digital platform.
Another way to stay playful and extend the buzz of the fair is by popping in at the fair’s exclusive after-hours Art Hub at The Gin Bar (64A Wale Street, Cape Town). Experience signature cocktails inspired by three of the curated sections of the fair and connect with fellow art collectors, curators, gallerists, artists, art lovers and VIPs. Enjoy a Tomorrows/Today, a sour cherry margarita with red fruit notes, or go SOLOwith a subtly floral-infused spirit balanced with citrus. For whiskey and rum enthusiasts, the Generations Smoked Cedar Old Fashioned on ice is the ideal way to unwind after a day of art exploration. Open from Monday 17 February to Sunday 23 February, 19h00 until late.
Endless PLAYful Possibilities
This year’s fair is filled with a range of highlights, offering something for every taste, interest and imagination.
16 on Lerotholi (South Africa), Demo Projects (South Africa), Borderlands Art (Uganda) and SOTO Gallery (Nigeria) are among the twelve local and international exhibitors in this year’s Lookout section, which is a section dedicated to discovery, focusing on emerging galleries operating for under five years. Artist Proof Studio (South Africa), 50ty/50ty Prints (South Africa) and Samuel Maenhoudt Gallery (Belgium), amongst others, are part of Editions, a section dedicated to showcasing leading print galleries and workshops specialising in prints, multiples and limited editions.
The Connect section will include institutions and organisations like Norval Foundation, Zeitz MOCAA, Lalela and the Western Cape Education Department Art Centres. After a successful debut in 2024, the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists Programme will once again host a stand at the fair.
The fair will also feature exclusive retail booths, each offering unique, high-quality items for art and design enthusiasts. Chommies, the luxury dog-accessories-turned-lifestyle brand, will release a special edition tote bag designed by award-winning creative Peet Pienaar and inspired by this year’s curatorial theme, PLAY. Only a handful will be available, so be sure to visit Booth R2 early to secure yours. Pichulik, an ethical jewellery and accessories atelier based in Cape Town, will showcase its stunning pieces rooted in African traditions and global cultures at Booth R1. Additionally, NURU will launch a conceptual showroom collection featuring contemporary African designers and crafters at Booth R3, with the full collection also available at Mutual Heights. Discover a curated collection of art books and publications at Clarke’s Bookshop & Jonathan Ball, located at Booth M6. Keep an eye on their booth for their book signings by renowned artists taking place throughout the weekend.
So, whether you’re there for the thought-provoking panel discussions, immersive exhibitions, or the vibrant atmosphere, the fair invites you to dive into a creative celebration where every moment is an invitation to PLAY and engage with art in exciting ways.
The Fine Print
- The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, from 12h00 to 19h00.
- Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets
Visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za to find out more and view the fair’s full programme on their digital platform: https://digital.investeccapetownartfair.co.za/.