Eight new public artworks bring community stories to life across Cape Town
05 September 2026
Eight new public artworks have been completed at parks, sports grounds, libraries and community facilities across Cape Town over the past year, creating opportunities for artists while celebrating the stories and identities of local communities. The projects include the programme’s first commissioned mosaic, which has transformed the façade of Sir Lowry’s Pass Library through a community co-design process.
For more than 10 years, the Arts and Culture Development Branch has facilitated public art works as part of its efforts to promote art and provide opportunities for emerging artists.
The eight artworks that were completed in the 2025/26 financial year include the:
- Gordon’s Bay Sportsfield
- Gustrouw Sportsfield, Strand
- Blackheath Community Hall
- Virginia Park, Gardens
- Bryant Street Park, Bo-Kaap
- Kloof Street Park
- Southfield Library
- Sir Lowry’s Pass Library (mosaic)
The eight projects brought together eight lead artists and more than 20 emerging and assisting artists, providing paid creative opportunities while bringing community- designed artworks into everyday public spaces.
The Sir Lowry’s Pass artwork marks a milestone for the programme as its first commissioned mosaic. Developed through a community co-design process following the City’s Cool Spaces initiative, the large-scale mosaic includes painted mural elements with the artwork transforming the library façade into a vibrant public landmark. The artists behind its creation are Kerry Atherstone (lead), Charlie Vettori and emerging artists Shannon Davids, Johen Adendorf and Iman Daniels.
The artwork beautifully captures the essence of Sir Lowry's Pass, reflecting its landscape, its people, its natural beauty and its enduring spirit.
Gordon’s Bay Sportsfield
Developed through a community-led design process and realised as part of the City's public art programme, the mural celebrates the unifying power of sport and the important role that recreational spaces play within communities.
The lead artist assisted by emerging artists is Angelo Waterloo, Marquin van Aarde and Xolisile Sitwayi.
Gustrouw Sportsfield, Strand
The mural celebrates youth development, sporting culture and the strength of community connections formed through shared public spaces.
The lead artist assisted by emerging artists is Angelo Waterloo, Sydney Shem Lewis and Patricia Abrahams.
Blackheath Community Hall
The artwork reflects a tapestry of community voices demonstrating how collaborative public art processes can transform civic infrastructure into meaningful expressions of local identity and shared memory.
Following the completion of the Blackheath Community Hall mural, a mural activation programme was hosted on site to celebrate the artwork and deepen community engagement.
The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter, assisted by Nathan Jason and Quinton Doman.
Virginia Park, Gardens
The Virginia Park mural explores themes of environmental stewardship, biodiversity and coexistence, encouraging visitors to recognise the interconnected relationship between people and the natural environment.
The artists who worked on the mural is leading artist Zeenat Isaacs and emerging artists
Thakier Adams, Charlene Bruiners, Nadine Apollis and Zain Mosaval
Bryant Street Park, Bo-Kaap
This artwork celebrates the unique cultural and religious landscape of the Bo-Kaap and the values of coexistence, resilience and mutual respect that have shaped the neighbourhood over generations.
The lead artist is Zeenat Isaacs assisted by emerging artists Abdul Malik and Muaath Omar
Kloof Street Park
the Kloof Street Park mural celebrates urban biodiversity and the everyday encounters between people and nature that occur within public green spaces.
The mural features a vibrant collection of indigenous birds, plants and natural forms arranged within a colourful landscape of organic shapes and flowing lines.
The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter assisted by Cherry Lee Harris and Shalane-Rae Cloete.
Southfield Library
The artwork reflects reading, coding, chess, art, music, drama, audio books, knitting and community programmes.
The lead artist is Rizah Potgieter assisted by emerging artists Willow Wicomb, Wesley Segers, Alicia Langley, Léa Nomodoe, Xara Heuvel and Tazneem Newman.
‘These artworks show what public art can do when artists and communities are given the opportunity to create something together. Over the past year, eight new works have brought local stories, culture and creativity into public spaces across Cape Town, while giving emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their talent. I want to thank the artists and communities who contributed their ideas and helped bring these projects to life,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.