South African artists are being invited to submit their work for In the Open, a new public art initiative that will transform a section of Cape Town's Sea Point Promenade into an open-air gallery featuring 20 selected artworks.
The exhibition is scheduled to launch in mid-December 2026, with the selected works professionally reproduced for outdoor display. The initiative aims to bring contemporary visual art into a shared public space, making it accessible to residents and visitors beyond traditional gallery settings.
Artists are invited to submit existing or new work inspired by the natural world, including the ocean, mountains, landscapes, wildlife, flora, fauna and weather.
Creating opportunities for local artists
The open call welcomes both emerging and established South African artists currently based in the country, working across painting, illustration, design, textiles, mixed media and other visual art practices.
Standalone photography is not eligible, and submitted works must be suitable for landscape-format reproduction. Artists may submit up to five artworks.
“In the Open is about creating a different kind of relationship between art, people and the places we share. The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most loved public spaces, and we love the idea of creating a gallery by the sea, where people can encounter art as part of their everyday experience,” says Shani Judes of Pact – Public Art Cape Town NPC.
Selected artists may also be invited to make reproductions of their work available for purchase through Jasper & Jute. This is optional and separate from selection for the exhibition.
How to apply
The open call closes on 16 November 2026 at 23:59 SAST. Selected artists will be notified on 20 November, with final artwork files due on 24 November ahead of the exhibition installation in mid-December.
Artists do not need to create new work specifically for the initiative, provided existing pieces respond to the theme and meet the submission requirements.
The full brief, application form, FAQs and terms and conditions are available through the Public Art Cape Town website.
In the Open is a Pact – Public Art Cape Town project, produced with SJ Artists, supported by Discovery Vitality, with printing by Orms and in association with Jasper & Jute.
