Investec Cape Town Art Fair: Africa’s biggest art exhibition

The biggest one yet, with artists from Tokyo to Cape Town, and art walks with experts happening all weekend

Last updated: 28 January 2025 

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair is a global highlight, drawing over 30 000 art lovers, collectors and creatives in the name of exciting contemporary art from Africa and beyond. 

The 2025 edition is the most ambitious yet, with over 30 first-time exhibitors and 500 artists (the most in the event’s history) in over 7 000 square meters of space.

It’s happening from 21 to 23 February 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

We unpack what’s new, including galleries from Tokyo and Kuwait City; the must-see galleries and artists, the ticket options (like the private preview Vernissage which is open to everyone for the first time) and how best to experience the fair. 

The 2025 edition is the biggest yet, with over 30 new exhibitors. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

ART FROM 58 COUNTRIES 

Now in its 12th year, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF), whose layout is designed by ICTAF’s director, Laura Vincenti, an architect, is a meeting point for the local and international art scene. There’s galleries from South Africa, France, the USA, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Germany, Oman and more. 

This year, there’ll be 500 artists from 58 countries and five continents exhibiting under the 2025 theme Play, which is experienced best in the curated sections that showcase solo exhibitions. 

There’ll be 500 artists from 58 countries and five continents. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

NEW & MUST-SEES 

For the first time, the Japanese gallery LEESAYA will showcase in Cape Town, featuring works by four Japanese artists (Akiko Ando, Bontaro Dokuyama, Shusuke Tanaka and Tomohito Wakui). You’ll find it in the MAIN section which is the heart of the fair. 

The LOOKOUT section is also new. It’s dedicated to galleries under five years old and focuses on open, interactive, and experimental ways of displaying art. 

Artists in this section include Elsadig Mohammed Ahmed, whose work delves into identity and human connection; and Maria Mbereshu, known for her use of Shambyu cultural symbols. 

The LOOKOUT section features galleries under five years old. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

WHERE YOU’LL FIND THE NEXT BIG NAMES

Tomorrows/Today is perfect for anyone keen to follow the next big names in the art world. 

It has artists like Thando Phenyane, a painter who blends art history and pop culture to depict black figures as whimsical characters, and Moroccan multi-disciplinary artist, Soukaina Joual, who creates art that explores invisibility, belonging, and absence.

There’ll be 30 new exhibitors. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

HOW TO BEST EXPERIENCE THE ART FAIR

Grab a visitor guide at the front desk when you arrive, with a map to guide you through the over 7 000 square meter space. 

The art walks, which happen all weekend, will help you understand the different areas and the art in them. There are also talks with experts on digital media, social responsibility, and the global influence of African art. 

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Sunday is a quieter day with fewer visitors. Or if you’re set on avoiding crowds, try going on Friday during work hours. 

Make sure to grab a guide so you can navigate the layout easily. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

WHAT TO EXPECT ON FRIDAY

Friday will have a selection of one-hour art walks curated by Art School Africa. They’re happening at 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.30pm. 

At 5pm, art curator and art theorist Dr Mariella Franzoni will present the prestigious cash prize to one of the emerging artists from Tomorrows/Today.

All art walks will be guided by an art professional. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SATURDAY

A lineup of talks will take place at the De Gama Room at The Westin Hotel, next door to the CTICC, at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm. Expect topics like The Role of Digital Media and Film in Contemporary Art and The Power of Art in Global Brand Collaborations.

There will also be another two art walks at 4pm and 5pm. 

Seats are unreserved, so arrive early to join these conversations. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAY 

At 12.30pm, you can join an art walk with art journalist Sean O’Toole. He’ll explore the evolving role of African traditional craft in contemporary art. 

Cape Town-born painter and sculptor Marlene Steyn will guide participants through an interactive experience, blending art, performance, and dialogue, on her art walk at 2pm.  

The art fair will have talks, panel discussions, and guided art tours. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

ART BEYOND THE FAIR

The fair’s Unbound City Programme activates art across the vibrant inner city. 

It’s a packed schedule with events at galleries like EBONY/CURATED, Eclectica Contemporary, WORLDART and more. There are also shows at the Iziko National Gallery and Norval Foundation. 

And the pop-up at the Gin Bar on Wale Street will be a treat. Every day of the week there’ll be curated cocktails inspired by the fair’s sections, as well as on First Thursdays (6 February fron 7pm). Also on First Thursdays is a window unveiling at AKJP where three guests can win Vernissage tickets. It starts at 5pm.

For the full programme, see the Investec Cape Town Art Fair website. 

The Unbound City programme takes art beyond the CTICC. Image: Investec Cape Town Art Fair

TICKET PRICES (INCLUDING THE VERNISSAGE)  

For the first time, Vernissage, the private preview held before the official opening, is open to everyone. 

All Investec Cape Town Art Fair tickets can be purchased on Webticket. 

See the ticket breakdown below: 

GO TO THE INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR 

Investec Cape Town Art Fair is happening: 21 - 23 February 2025
Find it: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Book: via Webticket
Contact on: @investeccapetownartfair

By Saarah Gierdien

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ARTS, MUSEUMS & OTHER THINGS TO DO 

There’s always 7+ things to do this weekend.

Here’s 18 of the most unique Cape Town museums. 

The home of indigenous art in Cape Town is Koena Art Institute.

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