Cape Town's city centre comes alive again this First Thursdays, with galleries and creative spaces opening their doors for an evening of art, culture and conversation.
From anniversary exhibitions and thought-provoking photography to immersive wine experiences and contemporary South African art, here's what's worth adding to your plans on this Thursday, July 2.
AMEN | Grassroots Football Exhibition
Where: Gallery F, 78 Shortmarket Street
While we’re still in the spirit of the FIFA World Cup, football fans and photography lovers can experience a unique exhibition this First Thursday as Belgian-born photographer Jessica Hilltout presents AMEN | Grassroots Football at Gallery F.
The exhibition features photographs taken during Hilltout's nine-month journey through 10 African countries in 2009.
Her trip began in Cape Town, where she travelled north through eastern and southern Africa in a vintage Volkswagen Beetle before continuing across West Africa in a Nissan Vanette after flying to Ghana.
Rather than focusing on professional football, AMEN | Grassroots Football shines a light on the game as it is played in communities across the continent. The photographs capture football as a source of pride, creativity, friendship and connection, showing how the sport brings people together.
The Artists Gallery marks three years with group exhibition
Where: The Artists Gallery, 34 Bree Street
The Artists Gallery is celebrating its third anniversary with a new group exhibition during First Thursdays.
Three Years of Art, Community & Connection brings together the work of 30 living South African artists, celebrating the gallery's journey since opening.
Co-founded, owned and managed by artists, The Artists Gallery was established to connect people through art. Over the past three years, it has become a creative space where artists and collectors can meet, share ideas and build lasting connections.
The anniversary exhibition honours the artists who have helped shape the gallery while celebrating South Africa's vibrant art community and the role it continues to play in bringing people together.
Off The Wall: Art for Easy Collecting
Where: Aspire Art, 21 Church Street
Aspire Art is inviting visitors to discover and take home original artworks during its Off The Wall: Art for Easy Collecting exhibition this First Thursdays.
The exhibition features a curated selection of modern and contemporary artworks aimed at both first-time buyers and experienced collectors.
Visitors can explore works by well-known artists alongside more affordable pieces, making it easier for emerging collectors to start or grow their collections.
With a mix of established names and accessible art, Off The Wall offers an opportunity to browse, buy and leave with an artwork on the same evening.
Explore South Africa's wine history at Culture Wine Bar
Where: Culture Wine Bar, 103 Bree Street
Culture Wine Bar is hosting an evening of storytelling, wine tasting and food pairing this First Thursdays.
I Heard It Through the Cape Vine takes guests on a journey through the stories of five influential figures who helped shape South Africa's wine industry over the past 350 years.
The immersive experience includes five wine tastings, canapés and curated soundtracks inspired by the country's rich wine heritage. The event draws on stories shared during the Constantia and Franschhoek Wine Walks, offering guests a fresh way to explore the people behind some of South Africa's best-known wines.
For those looking for something different on First Thursdays, the evening combines history, wine and food in an interactive setting.
Peffers Fine Art presents dialogue between two South African artists
Where: Peffers Fine Art, 92 Loop Street
Peffers Fine Art is presenting Sabela Uyabizwa this First Thursdays, bringing together the work of pioneering artist Gladys Mgudlandlu and contemporary conceptual artist Kemang Wa Lehulere.
The exhibition places Mgudlandlu's work in conversation with new responses by Wa Lehulere, creating a dialogue between two generations of South African artists.
Visitors can expect an intimate exhibition that encourages close observation, with works exploring themes of memory, gesture, absence and connection across time.
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