Top performance art at LIVE ART 2017
The Institute for Creative Arts (ICA) launches the third in a series of biennial festivals, the international LIVE ART Festival 2017 in Cape Town from 2-26 February 2017. The festival showcases a gathering of some of the most influential artists from across the continent for an explosion of performances set to push the boundaries of audiences and artists alike.
This dynamic range of public, collaborative and often transgressive performative artworks is expected to disrupt public spaces across the Mother City.
Sethembile Msezane- ‘Excerpts form the Past’. Photo courtesy of Institute for Creative-Arts
Continuing the ICA’s history as an initiator of innovative projects, LIVE ART 2017 blurs the fields of fine art, dance, theatre, music and literature to form a unique platform for interdisciplinary art. With an emphasis on works by African artists and those from the diaspora, the festival makes possible new and transformative interactions within diverse personal, political, public and architectural spaces.
Connection to societal issues
This fascinating collection of visceral adventures transports audiences into a creative world of theatre often unknown in South African borders, navigating the public to the corners of their comfort zones. LIVE ART 2017 offers audiences an immersive experience to connect with relevant issues confronting society on a journey of the imagination that embraces the outer-limits of society.
Hi!JACK-COLLABORATION - Garment by Lesiba Mabitsela. Photo by Neo Mokgosi
ICA director and associate professor at the University of Cape Town, Jay Pather, comments on the significance of the Festival: “LIVE ART 2017 represents the intersection of visual and performing arts and culture with some of the enduring personal and political themes of our time and provides an arena for these elements to clash, marry, and influence each other. Our efforts to engage audiences and expand their expectations of the possibilities of live theatre and art, brings to life some of the most esoteric and experimental work by key African artists.
2017 programme
The 2017 programme features screenings, performances, artworks and interactive installations by over thirty contemporary artists including: Standard Bank Young Artist Award-winners Donna Kukama and Anthea Moys; Zimbabwean-born, New York-based celebrated choreographer and performer Nora Chipaumire, Nigerian multimedia artist, Jelili Atiku; acclaimed choreographer and performer, Mamela Nyamza; British-Ghanaian visual artist, Larry Achiampong; Mozambican choreographer, Panaibra Gabriel Canda; pioneering and internationally-renowned South African performance artist, Steven Cohen and many more.
Mamela Nyamza- DE APART HATE. Photo by Jonathan-Hsu
LIVE ART 2017 is supported by the Mellon Foundation, the University of Cape Town, Iziko Museums of South Africa, Pro Helvetia, the British Council Connect ZA and the Goethe-Institut Lagos.
Event Info
LIVE ART 2017 Launch: Thursday 2 February as part of First Thursdays event, Cape Town
Official Programme: Friday 10 February to Sunday 26 February 2017
WHERE: Public spaces across the City of Cape Town
ENTRANCE FEE: All performances are free of charge
