South Africa’s Art Festivals Are Changing the Way the World Sees Africa
South African art festivals have always been really popular among locals. But over the years, many of these festivals have gained international attention, with travelers making specific trips just to spend time at these constantly evolving art extravaganzas.
These festivals are allowing the world to see Africa through a new and different lens by exploring the talent and diversity offered by African artists. The recent One Source Live festival that took place in Johannesburg in March 2018 celebrated different African art styles.
Here is our roundup of the best and most unique art festivals to attend in South Africa to discover the culture, vibe and people of this distinctive country.
The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
This festival is also known by its abbreviation KKNK. It is well-known and loved by many South Africans and international visitors. It is an Afrikaans festival that has developed into an inclusive event that caters to all communities.
Here you will find a plethora of quirkiness, from up-and-coming musicians to unique theatre performances. It is a celebration of Afrikaans culture that immerses you in this distinctive African society. It is hosted in the small town of Oudtshoorn, which is usually considered a sleepy farm town. But it comes to life during this exciting arts festival or “kunstefees”.
Be sure to check out the art galleries open during the event and buy some local street food to taste the delights of Afrikaner cooking.
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is a popular festival among art, music and theatre lovers alike. It describes itself as “the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent,” which attracts both national and international patronage.
You will find dance, drama, theatre, comedy shows, opera singing and visual art exhibitions at this festival. All of which will speak to your inner creative soul.
Because no artistic restraint or censorship has been applied to this festival, you will be able to see art and theatre that touches on serious topics.
During Apartheid, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival served as a platform for political and protest theatre, giving it significant historical importance.
The Knysna Literary Festival
The Knysna Literary Festival is a delight for book lovers and literary fanatics. It was founded in an effort to promote South Africa’s rich and diverse literary, artistic and cultural heritage.
The theme for each year is usually focused on “hot topics”. It’s the only festival along the Garden Route, a 300-kilometer stretch of scenic road along the Cape south coast, that hosts exclusive, hand-picked author groups to speak to audiences and read from their work.
If you enjoy reading and would like to interact with some of your favorite local and international authors, this is the place to go. You will also be able to see some gorgeous South African scenery as you drive along the Garden Route.
Afrika Burn
Afrika Burn
Afrika Burn is based on the wildly popular Burning Man Festival in the US and has also gained its own cult following among locals and international visitors.
It is an amalgamation of individuals and organizations who question mainstream, highly commercialized society.
This festival takes place in the Tankwa Karoo National Park and is a celebration of art, music and theatre.
It is a haven for those who enjoy expressing themselves, but be warned that it is also a survivalist’s challenge. You’ll camp in the park and need to bring your own food, water, tent, hygiene products and so forth. But for such a magical experience this is well worth it.
Immerse yourself in the creativity of African artists, playwrights and musicians and go home feeling abuzz with creative energy.
Splashy Fen
Every year since 1990, the Splashy Fen music festival attracts thousands of people to an Underberg farm for a feast of mainstream, indie, country and rock music, with other genres thrown into the mix.
It has since become more than just a place for musicians to meet and play to their audiences. It’s now a festival that embraces art, music and good South African food.
If you are a true music lover, you will find everything you want and need at Splashy Fen.
This festival has also garnered international attention. It’s allowing travelers to see South African musicians in a way that they may never have had the opportunity to before. African music has long been seen as something more primitive than Western music. But Splashy Fen is changing this view by showcasing brilliant local musicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmrR8kZThCo
Off the beaten path
Going to an art festival is a unique way to experience a country. Immerse yourself in the culture and see how the locals view themselves through their art and music.
South African art festivals are helping to change the traditional views that the world holds of Africa. They are showing visitors that, as the South African slogan goes, ‘local is lekker’ (which means pleasing or enjoyable), and that our talent is no less stellar than that of Western artists and musicians.
One Source Live is trying to change the way the world sees African art, so visit the website and vote for your favourite African artwork. If you’re planning on traveling through Africa, go off the beaten path. Spend time at a music, art or literary festival.
This post was sponsored by One Source Live. Got a great travel story you want to tell? Contact us at workwithus@anewtraveller.com.
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