A Milestone in South Africa’s Cultural Landscape
As the National Arts Festival commemorates its golden jubilee, Makhanda is set to transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural expression from 20 to 30 June 2024. This year’s event promises an exhilarating mix of established and emerging talent, celebrating both the festival’s illustrious history and the future of South African art.
A Legacy of Creativity and Cultural Exchange
Since its inception in 1974, the National Arts Festival has evolved into a cornerstone of South Africa’s cultural calendar, drawing artists and audiences from across the country and around the globe. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the town of Makhanda becomes an annual pilgrimage site for art lovers, showcasing the nation’s diverse and dynamic creative scene.
It’s an honour to be staging this Festival fifty years after its first curtain was raised. Despite an always changeable, and often precarious, environment for the arts, the National Arts Festival has prevailed and evolved. This is testament to those who have steered the ship and our steadfast partners over the decades, but also reflects the extraordinary tenacity artists have brought to this Festival and country. 2024 is a significant year for our country in so many ways, and the National Arts Festival is pleased to be part of the celebrations of our 30 years of democracy, and to be contemplating what the next decade holds for us and the community we serve.
Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival
A Rich Tapestry of Performances and Events
The 2024 festival lineup is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of South Africa’s artistic landscape, featuring nearly 300 events. Highlights include performances by the 2023 Standard Bank Young Artists, such as Zoë Modiga in music and Darren English in jazz, alongside theatre, visual arts, and dance luminaries. The legendary Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse will grace the stage, and theatre enthusiasts can look forward to Sello Maake KaNcube’s performance in “The Suit,” marking three decades since he first starred in the production.
Jazz aficionados can expect stellar performances from the South African National Jazz Orchestra, led by McCoy Mrubatha, and a special appearance by the Eastern Cape’s Asanda Mqiki. The National Youth Jazz Festival also promises a dynamic lineup, featuring seasoned artists like Kesivan Naidoo, Sisonke Xonti, and Siya Charles, who will both perform and mentor the next generation of jazz talent.
Spotlight on Eastern Cape Talent and Culture
This year, the festival places a strong emphasis on celebrating the Eastern Cape’s rich artistic heritage. The Village Green will showcase the region’s artisans, while the Albany History Museum hosts the Visual Arts and Craft Exhibition. Festival-goers can also look forward to the community-centric Fingo Festival and engaging Art Talks that promise to spark thought-provoking discussions.
The festival’s visual arts offerings are particularly noteworthy, with a series of exhibits that reflect on the past, present, and future of South African art. Not to be missed is “Mattering: 50 Years of the National Arts Festival,” an exhibition that explores the festival’s extensive archives, and the Constitutional Court’s “Aluta Continua,” which commemorates 30 years of democracy through a permanent exhibition.
The Fringe Programme: A Platform for Emerging Voices
A vital part of the festival is its Fringe programme, which serves as a launchpad for new and emerging artists. This year’s Fringe is expected to feature an eclectic mix of comedy, magic, music, and more, providing a space for innovative and boundary-pushing performances.
Join the Celebration
The 50th National Arts Festival promises a rich and diverse cultural experience that celebrates South Africa’s artistic heritage and looks forward to a vibrant future. Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, this year’s festival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of South African art and culture.
