The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) continues its support for the Cape Town Infecting the City Public Arts Festival through the Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy.  This annual event is hosted by the Department in partnership with the Africa Centre. Now in its seventh year, the festival features larger and more authoritative works than ever before. It runs festival from Monday, 10-15 March 2014 in the Cape Town CBD.

This year the festival promises to showcase an increased number of international and local collaborative works, along with a diversity of entertaining, engaging and thought provoking pieces encompassing performance art, dance, music, visual art, and other forms beyond conventional categories.

Speaking at the opening of the festival, the DAC Arts and Youth Development Director, Mr Moleleki Ledimo said, “The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), through its Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy is committed to supporting the development of Public Art. MGE strategy is intended to build-up and up-scale existing initiatives in the creative sector.”

The DAC further regards the Cape Town Infecting the City Public Arts Festival as one of the milestones to mark the celebrations of 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy. It offers artists the opportunity to self-express which is vital in promoting youth participation and engagement.
Jay Pather, curator for the third year in a row says: “Between 2008 and 2013 Infecting the City grew from just over 10 artworks to 54 artworks and performances. This year the programme comprises around 40 works with more large scale, substantial works. There are also many works of authority to mark the political and social importance of 2014 for all South Africans.”

The audiences can expect a thrilling week of a mix of works across all artistic disciplines. The performances will be spread throughout the public spaces of Cape Town and are designed to encourage audiences to discover, define and experience the City’s private and public environments. 

As part of the Infecting the City Youth Development Programme, 400 high school scholars from across greater Cape Town will be transported to the City Centre to engage and interact with the festival and its artists.

The Cape Town Infecting the City Public Arts Festival stimulates economic growth and contributes to the development of creative industries. Through its diverse arts offerings, it creates opportunity for all to experience and enjoy the arts freely without ‘boundaries and formalities’. This is significant in celebrating the 20 Years of Democracy and Freedom through South Africa’s arts and cultural diversity.

For information and full programme please visit: www.infectingthecity.com

Enquiries: Mogomotsi Mogodiri: MogomotsiM@dac.gov.za, 071 687 4984