Cape Town: The Community, Arts and Culture development (CACD) ‘Emerging Artists Programme’ has celebrated the successful completion of its annual programme. This equipped talented and young emerging artists with skills, knowledge and networks that was needed to build sustainable careers in the visual arts sector.
The CACD – Emerging Artist Programme Annual Capacity Building Training has been running since 2019 and supports artists with the often-overlooked business side of creative work. This helped participants in strengthening their skills in financial planning, marketing, exhibition preparation and long-term career development.
This programme culminates in a public exhibition that showcased the artists’ work and provided valuable experience in presenting and promoting themselves as professional practitioners. The exhibition was concluded on June 13, 2026.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the 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. This programme helps artists strengthen their confidence, understand the business side of creative work and prepare for future opportunities.
Cllr Higham mentioned that they are incredibly proud of what this year’s group has achieved. They are excited to see how the group continue to grow and contribute to Cape Town’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The Capacity Building Training is structured into four focused phases:
- Foundations of Professional Practice
- Visibility and Marketing
- Exhibition and Sales Readiness
- Planning for Growth
This year’s programme included 20 workshop sessions that were hosted at the Lab in Woodstock, including gallery excursions. Each of the 25 participating artists had three one-on-one mentorship sessions and two group peer-review sessions.
The sessions were designed to impart core training and skills, culminating in a month-long group exhibition. This year’s exhibition was titled ‘Seeing the Invisible’ and offered the group an opportunity to apply their new skills, preparing them as practicing professional artists for their careers ahead.
These exhibitions included artist walkabouts, talks and public engagement activities to help participants build confidence in presenting their work and engaging audiences. CACD is finalising its Emerging Artists programme for the new financial year, which will start in July 2026.