If you’re not in the Cape Town art scene, chances are you rarely step into one of our world-class galleries. But you really should, and to help you make the transition from art newb to au fait is the First Thursdays initiative.
A selection of galleries, museums and shops stay open till 9 pm (with no cover charge) on the first Thursday of every month, encouraging Capetonians to take to the streets of the CBD after dark and get to know the city’s exhibition spaces. Throw a few bars and restaurants into the mix, and you have an awesome night out.
Check out the Google Map on their site to pick a starting point, then grab a printed map at one of the venues and and get walking. In the meantime, these are our favourite gallery stops along the way…
Youngblood
This three-story centre for creativity and inspiration supports young up-and-coming artists. Bonus – the in-house Beautifull Food eatery will be open for a bite and wine tasting.
Where 70–72 Bree Street, CBD
AVA
The Association for Visual Arts is a non-profit gallery dedicated to showcasing emerging talent across a range of disciplines, from sculpture and ceramics to photography and mixed-media installations.
Where 35 Church Street, CBD
Commune.1
Commune.1 sets itself apart by being one of few galleries dedicated to large-scale installations. Here it’s all about the experience as you immerse yourself in gallery-spanning art.
Where 64 Wale Street, CBD
WorldArt
If you like your pieces contemporary with a serious pop art edge, WorldArt is for you. Bold, modern work is the order of the day.
Where 54 Church Street, CBD
Haas Collective
Though it’s known for being one of the only places in Cape Town you can score a cup of kopi luwak, Haas is actually first and foremost a creative space, stocking paintings, sculpture, photography and jewellery, among other disciplines.
Where 67 Rose Street, Bo-kaap
Chris Becker Ben Proske
Jordan Maze Maya-Rose Torrao
loved first thursdays