More than 3 000 young artists participated in the City’s Arts Aweh! programme, a seven-month creative development initiative that culminated in a series of exhibitions across eight communities.
According to the City of Cape Town, the after-school programme, designed for youth aged 6 to 18, provided hands-on training in visual and performing arts while fostering self-expression and community engagement.
Hosted at 13 City-owned venues, the initiative offered workshops in painting, photography, hip-hop, dance, poetry and beadwork, among other disciplines. Beyond artistic skill-building, the programme also created employment opportunities for young creatives through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
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Showcasing talent across Cape Town
From May to June 2025, exhibitions in Belhar, Eerste River, Rocklands, Ocean View, Mfuleni, Mamre, Bonteheuwel and Athlone displayed works ranging from recycled-material sculptures to canvas paintings and functional art pieces. Participants also performed in mini-concerts and fashion shows, modelling upcycled clothing and presenting original poetry and drama pieces.
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, emphasised the programme’s broader impact:
‘Arts Aweh! gives young people the tools to express themselves while building confidence and life skills. Not only does it help children develop fine motor skills and build self-esteem, but it also encourages self-expression where children can explore and communicate their emotions.’
A sustainable model for arts development
With 3 173 learners engaged since its November launch, the programme has proven successful in making the arts accessible to youth from diverse neighbourhoods. Higham confirmed the City’s commitment to expanding such initiatives, stating, ‘We will continue to create opportunities and programmes where young people can learn and experience the beauty of art in its various forms.’
The Arts Aweh! programme has demonstrated how structured arts education can unlock potential in young creatives while strengthening community ties. By blending skills development with public exhibitions, the initiative not only nurtures individual talent but also enriches Cape Town’s cultural landscape.
As the City evaluates this year’s outcomes, plans are already underway to scale the programme, ensuring more youth benefit from creative opportunities. For participants, the experience has been transformative, proving that when given the right tools, young artists can turn imagination into impactful expression.
Future exhibitions may expand to additional communities, with the City exploring partnerships to sustain and grow this model of accessible arts education.
Written by Lulama Klaasen
First published on Cape Town etc
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