This year’s edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the premier platform for contemporary art from Africa and beyond, promises an exciting lineup of special features, highlights and exclusive experiences. Here are five insights to help you make the most of your visit.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town, the fair, which will take place from 21-23 February, is a major drawcard on the global art calendar, attracting over 30 000 art collectors and enthusiasts annually. The 2025 edition will also feature a record 30 first-time exhibitors, the largest group of new galleries in the fair’s history.
Here are five essential insights to help you make the most of your visit.
WALKS & TALKS
Visitors can look forward to an exceptional programme of events, including engaging talks, panel discussions and guided tours. Thought leaders, art market professionals and experts will share valuable insights on topics such as the African art market, collecting trends and the latest themes and directions in contemporary art. A standout feature of the fair is its diverse range of dialogues and presentations from artists, curators, gallerists, academics, writers and collectors. For first-time visitors, daily guided walkabouts offer a perfect way to explore the fair, gain an overview of the exhibits, and deepen their understanding of the artists and artworks on display. The full programme of talks and walkabout schedules can be found on the fair’s website.
GOING GLOBAL
This year’s fair will once again feature a dynamic range of over 50 global galleries. Making their debut at the fair, LEESAYA (Tokyo, Japan) will bring a fresh Japanese perspective to the international scene, while Hunna Art (Kuwait City, Kuwait) will showcase contemporary Middle Eastern art for the first time. Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda) continues to highlight artists living and working across the African continent and Galerie EIGEN + ART (Leipzig, Berlin, Germany) expands its programme with artists from multiple generations. Gypsum Gallery (Cairo, Egypt) adds a unique depth with its focus on modern artistry from the Middle East. These galleries represent exciting new voices and diverse perspectives, making this year’s fair a must-visit event.
LOCAL IS LEKKER
Leading the way at this year’s fair are 19 Cape Town galleries, including WORLDART (Long Street), EBONY/CURATED (Loop Street), 99 Loop Gallery (Loop Street), THK Gallery (Waterkant Street), blank projects and 131 A Gallery (Foreshore). These esteemed spaces are joined by a selection of prominent South African galleries. Notable names include Goodman Gallery and SMAC Gallery, both influential in showcasing a mix of emerging and established talent. Southern Guild blends contemporary craft with design, while WHATIFTHEWORLD and Stevenson are known for innovative exhibitions that explore diverse narratives. Kalashnikovv Gallery brings a dynamic selection of conceptual practices, including an all-female artist group at the fair. Everard Read, one of the country's oldest galleries, continues to bridge local and international art scenes, while blank projects fosters experimental and interdisciplinary dialogues around contemporary issues. Together, these galleries highlight the diverse and exciting talent on display at this year’s fair.
EXPLORE THE SPECIAL SECTIONS
The 2025 edition will feature several highlights, including the second iteration of Cabinet/Trophy: Playing the Field, curated by Exhibition Match (Alexander Richards and Dr Phokeng Setai). Founded in 2022, Exhibition Match merges art and football, offering an art-world football match alongside an exhibition to make art more accessible. Richards, director at Stevenson, and Setai, assistant curator at Zeitz MoCAA, bring their vision to this project.
The Lookout section will return as a space for emerging galleries and art project spaces, allowing young artists to showcase their work without the commercial pressures typical of art fairs.
Editions will focus on leading print galleries and workshops that specialise in prints, multiples, and editions.
The Connect cultural section will include institutions like Norval Foundation, Zeitz MOCAA, Lalela and the Western Cape Education Department. Additionally, after a successful debut, the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists Programme will once again host a stand at the fair.
SIP, SOCIALISE & UNWIND
The buzz of the fair is set to continue at the exclusive after-hours hub at The Gin Bar (64A Whale Street). With a curated menu featuring over 100 gins, including 80+ South African options and signature cocktails inspired by medicinal remedies, this intimate space offers a sophisticated setting for networking, celebrating, and unwinding amid the excitement of the art fair week.
Stop by any evening from Monday 17 February to Sunday 23 February, from 19h00 until late and connect with fellow art collectors, curators, gallerists, artists, art lovers and VIPs from around the globe. Visit the fair website for the full public programme.
* The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 12h00 to 19h00. Tickets can be purchased via webtickets.
* Visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za or follow Investec Cape Town Art Fair on Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @investeccapetownartfair. Hashtags #InvestecCapeTownArtFair #ICTAF2025
IMAGES: Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Anton Scholtz
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