For many artists, creating the work is only part of the journey. Building a career around that creativity often requires an entirely different set of skills, from marketing and financial planning to networking and exhibition management.
That challenge sits at the heart of the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists Programme, which this week celebrated another group of aspiring creatives completing a year-long development initiative designed to help transform artistic talent into sustainable careers, as highlighted by the City.
The programme culminated in a public exhibition titled Seeing the Invisible, which closes on, 13 June. The showcase offered participants an opportunity to present their work to the public while putting newly acquired professional skills into practice.
Since its launch in 2019, the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Emerging Artists Programme has aimed to bridge a gap frequently experienced by young creatives entering the industry: understanding how to navigate the business of art.
This year’s intake of 25 artists took part in an intensive training programme that combined workshops, mentorship sessions, peer reviews and gallery visits.
Hosted at The Lab in Woodstock, the initiative featured 20 workshop sessions and individual mentorship opportunities tailored to help participants strengthen their professional practice.
The programme was structured around four key themes: professional foundations, visibility and marketing, exhibition and sales readiness, and long-term growth planning.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the initiative is about equipping artists with the tools needed to thrive beyond their creative work.
‘Cape Town is home to extraordinary creative talent, but talent alone is not always enough to build a sustainable career in the arts. Emerging artists also need mentorship, practical skills and opportunities to grow.’
She added: ‘This programme helps artists strengthen their confidence, understand the business side of creative work and prepare for future opportunities. We are incredibly proud of what this year’s group has achieved and excited to see how they continue to grow and contribute to Cape Town’s vibrant cultural landscape.’
Cape Town’s creative sector continues to play an important role in shaping the city’s identity, with local galleries, public art spaces and cultural events providing platforms for emerging voices.
The programme’s final exhibition included artist walkabouts, talks and public engagement activities, giving participants hands-on experience in presenting their work, discussing their creative processes and connecting with audiences, skills increasingly valued in today’s arts landscape.
With the current exhibition drawing to a close, preparations are already under way for the next intake of the Emerging Artists Programme, which is expected to launch with the new municipal financial year in July.
For aspiring artists looking to take the next step in their careers, the initiative continues to offer more than technical training.
It provides access to mentorship, professional networks and practical experience that can help turn creative ambition into long-term opportunity.
Emerging artists interested in future programme opportunities can contact the City of Cape Town’s Community, Arts and Culture Development department via email ([email protected]) for further information.
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Picture: CoCT
