Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2026: A Bigger, Bolder Creative Stage

As it celebrates its 13th edition, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF) is poised for a transformative 2026. With its compelling theme, Listen, the fair will expand its physical footprint, introduce innovative curated sections, and reimagine its on-site programme, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, creativity, and discovery. Visitors can look forward to increased space for exhibitors, interactive workshops, and new opportunities for engagement with contemporary art from South Africa and around the world.

A major evolution this year is the relocation of the talks programme into the very heart of the fair, with a purpose-built auditorium within the exhibition hall. This ensures that conversation, reflection, and exchange are at the centre of the visitor experience. Complementing this are interactive workshops that invite audiences to engage directly with artists, curators, and thought leaders, embodying the fair’s ethos that listening is an active and immersive practice, rather than a passive one.

The 2026 edition will feature five core sections alongside four curated sections: Tomorrows/Today (curated by Dr Mariella Franzoni, Barcelona), SOLO (Celine Seror, Amsterdam), Generations (Tandazani Dhlakama, Toronto), and Cabinet/Record (Beata America, Cape Town). These sections are complemented by Main, Lookout, Editions, Connect, and the refreshed Capsule retail space, offering a breadth of experiences for collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time visitors alike. A dedicated Performance project and a selection of Special Projects will further highlight multidisciplinary creativity, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art presentation.

The fair’s commitment to nurturing talent continues through its prestigious awards programme. In 2026, this includes the debut ORMS International Photography Prize, celebrating excellence in contemporary photography, the Investec Emerging Artist Award, recognising outstanding South African emerging talent, the Tomorrows/Today Prize, and the RDC Acquisition Prize, awarded to a work resonating with RDC Property Group’s values. These awards reinforce the fair’s mission to champion innovation and support the next generation of artists shaping the future of contemporary art.

“In 2026, we’re not just increasing in size; we’re expanding in scope,” says Laura Vincenti, Fair Director. “This growth enables richer conversations, new encounters, and elevated opportunities for artists, collectors, and audiences worldwide.” With Listen guiding its thematic compass, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair promises a transformative, participatory, and deeply reflective experience, connecting South African and international art communities in a shared space of creativity and exchange.

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Images: Supplied