First Thursdays: Discovering Cape Town’s Vibrant Art Scene

First Thursdays in Cape Town is a monthly event where galleries, museums, and cultural spaces open their doors for art lovers and curious locals to explore. It offers a platform for artists to showcase their talents and engage with the public. Visitors can enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, audio guides, and unique pop-up stores. The event transforms Cape Town’s art scene into an exciting hub of creativity and culture, with outstanding exhibitions and events to discover.

What is First Thursdays in Cape Town?

First Thursdays is a monthly event in Cape Town where galleries, museums, and cultural spaces open their doors for art lovers and curious locals to explore. The event offers a platform for artists to showcase their talents and engage with the public. Visitors can enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, audio guides, and unique pop-up stores.

A Night of Art and Culture at Zeitz MOCAA and Southern Guild

Every first Thursday of each month, Cape Town’s art scene transforms into an exciting hub where galleries, museums, and cultural spaces welcome art aficionados and curious locals. This dynamic event offers a platform for artists to display their talents and engage with the public in a lively celebration of creativity. In this article, we delve into some outstanding exhibitions and events taking place during November’s First Thursdays.

At Zeitz MOCAA, treat yourself to an exclusive evening of art and culture with half-price admission from 6 pm onwards. Exceptional exhibitions such as ‘Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers’ and ‘Seismography of Struggle’ are waiting for you. Enhance your visit by bringing headphones for complimentary access to audio guides for current exhibitions.

Southern Guild, a gateway to South Africa’s enthralling world of contemporary collectible design, features unique creations by three exceptional artists. Christine Jacobs unveils ‘Enfold,’ Terence Maluleke captures the dynamic outdoor scenes in ‘Grace in Grand Bassam,’ and Nano Le Face offers insight into contemporary youth culture with ‘Honey, I’m Not Doing So Well.’

Contemporary African Art at DAOR Contemporary, CTCA, and THK Gallery

DAOR Contemporary, located near the trendy Silo District, serves as a sanctuary for contemporary African artists. They specialize in displaying South African and Pan African art, featuring a striking collection of print works and Jozelle McLea’s ‘Suspended Exposure.’

The Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA), an accredited institution devoted to cultivating the talents of emerging artists, invites you to delve into the artistic process at their Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Art graduate studio situated in Silo 2.

THK Gallery, a leading force in the art world, showcases the thought-provoking group exhibition ‘Liminal States.’ Featured artists comprise Leila Abrahams, David Brits, Driaan Claassen, Jan Ernst, Pardon Mapondera, Gaelen Pinnock, Amy Rusch, and Abdus Salaam.

Artistic Spaces at Union House, The Pink Room, and Mochi Mochi

Union House, home to the Spier Arts Trust, currently hosts the solo exhibition ‘A Sense of Place’ by the renowned artist Hanneke Benadé. Through skillful pastel drawings, Benadé investigates the complex connection between her subjects and their landscapes.

The Pink Room at Gorgeous George entertains various exhibitions and music events during First Thursdays. Currently on display is the ‘African Robots Shapeshifting Chandelier,’ symbolizing the fusion of human craftsmanship and advanced technology.

Mochi Mochi Japanese Café, a center for artistic expression, presents a unique pop-up exhibition called ‘Paper Cuts.’ The showcase celebrates the artistry of paper, featuring the works of Esti Joorst, Louise Bally, Maia Levan, and Me & Norman.

Captivating Exhibitions at 99 Loop Gallery and Unique Gifts at Always Welcome Showroom

99 Loop Gallery, a contemporary art space, invites you to experience the mesmerizing solo exhibitions of Alexis Schofield’s ‘Impressions 2023’ and Carolina Salinas’ ‘Places, real or imagined.’

As the gifting season nears, the Always Welcome Showroom in Cape Town is your sanctuary for inspiration. Discover a curated assortment of African homeware, design, décor, and art – ideal gifts for your loved ones.

Rare Gallery: Where Art, Fashion, and Culture Meet

Lastly, Rare Gallery, a distinctive collective that merges art, fashion, and culture, features an immersive exhibition by talented South African artist African Ginger. Additionally, the streetwear brand Bahamas Collection will host a pop-up store, adding a fashionable twist to the intersection of art and style.

In summary, Cape Town’s First Thursdays event is a thrilling opportunity for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s flourishing art scene. From captivating exhibitions and thought-provoking installations to unique pop-up stores, there is a wealth of creativity to explore and enjoy.

1. What is First Thursdays in Cape Town?

First Thursdays is a monthly event in Cape Town where galleries, museums, and cultural spaces open their doors for art lovers and curious locals to explore. The event offers a platform for artists to showcase their talents and engage with the public. Visitors can enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, audio guides, and unique pop-up stores.

2. When does First Thursdays happen?

First Thursdays happens every first Thursday of each month in Cape Town.

3. What can visitors expect from First Thursdays in Cape Town?

Visitors can expect a lively celebration of creativity with outstanding exhibitions, installations, and events to discover. They can enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, audio guides, and unique pop-up stores.

4. What are some of the outstanding exhibitions during November’s First Thursdays?

Some outstanding exhibitions during November’s First Thursdays include ‘Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers’ and ‘Seismography of Struggle’ at Zeitz MOCAA, ‘Enfold’ by Christine Jacobs, ‘Grace in Grand Bassam’ by Terence Maluleke, and ‘Honey, I’m Not Doing So Well’ by Nano Le Face at Southern Guild.

5. What is DAOR Contemporary?

DAOR Contemporary is a gallery specialized in displaying South African and Pan African contemporary art. It features a striking collection of print works and Jozelle McLea’s ‘Suspended Exposure.’

6. What is the Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA)?

The Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA) is an accredited institution devoted to cultivating the talents of emerging artists. It invites visitors to delve into the artistic process at their Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Art graduate studio situated in Silo 2.

7. What is Rare Gallery?

Rare Gallery is a distinctive collective that merges art, fashion, and culture. It features an immersive exhibition by talented South African artist African Ginger and a pop-up store by the streetwear brand Bahamas Collection, adding a fashionable twist to the intersection of art and style.

8. Where can visitors find unique gifts for their loved ones during First Thursdays?

Visitors can find unique gifts for their loved ones at the Always Welcome Showroom in Cape Town. The showroom features a curated assortment of African homeware, design, décor, and art.