International Public Art Festival 2021: Live Mural-Painting

Nothing stops you in your tracks quite like a multi-storey mural. Which is exactly what art lovers can expect at the fifth installation of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF), happening from 10 to 14 February 2021. The streets of Cape Town are set for a technicoloured upgrade when some of the best local and international street artists showcase their mural-painting skills at this unique event.

Tour the streets

With the aim of making art more accessible to the public, the fifth installation of this street-art festival gives the public front-row seats to see artists in action with guided or self-guided tours around the city. The 2021 motto is: walk it, run it or cycle it! There are six tours – of varying lengths – to cater for all fitness levels.

Or, if you’d prefer to set your own pace, you are welcome to do your own street tour. Strict Covid protocols will be in place: mandatory masks, temperature checks, strategically positioned sanitiser stations, and all members of the team will be tested prior to the festival.

Some of the featured artists of the 2021 edition include French character artist Ador, Brazillian-based pastel-inspired J3RNY, and many local artists such as Anser Nineone, Dirty Native, Viva Sage and Dolf. There are six street-tour options:

3km Salt River tour

Explore the vibrant Salt River community and get a glimpse of more than 26 murals and 20 artists busy at work.
Download info for a free DIY tour
Cost with a guide R200 per group (up to 10 people per household, excluding tour guide)
Duration 2 hours

5km Salt River tour

Explore the vibrant Salt River community with more than 56 murals from previous years and 20 artists busy at work.
Download info for a free DIY tour
Cost with a guide R200 per group (up to 10 people per household, excluding tour guide)
Duration 3 hours

5km City Centre tour

Rediscover the City Centre from Adderly Street to Bree Street with an exploration of murals and public work that you might not have seen before, and a visit to cafés and shops that locals love.
Cost R200 per group (up to 10 people per household)
Duration 3 hours

15km City Centre tour

This longer tour, which takes you from the CBD to the Waterfront and Sea Point, gives you a comprehensive look into the world of public art in the City Bowl and surrounds.
Cost R200 per group (up to 10 people per household)
Duration 4 hours

20km Salt River & City tour

Cycle around Salt River, Woodstock and CBD as you look at artists at work, past murals and other public artworks in the city.
Cost R200 per group (up to 10 people per household)
Duration 4 hours

30km Grand Shlem tour

This cycling tour goes from Salt River to Sea Point and back again. You will encounter more than 20 artists in action, explore the innercity, cycle along the beautiful Sea Point promenade and visit local stores and cafés.
Cost R200 per group (up to 10 people per household)
Duration 6 hours

The festival is an initiative of BAZ-ART, an NGO that places art at the centre of community expression, and is also a launchpad for a number of programmes, including community gardens, art classes for children, and other interventions started by residents. The 2021 theme is sustainability – focusing on environmental awareness, creative sustainable solutions, economic enrichment through skills-building and sharing, and an even greater focus on community building.

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