The International Public Art Festival (IPAF) is Africa’s largest public art celebration. The festival is hosted by Baz-Art, a platform that produces art in public spaces and creates an avenue to allow street artists to make a living from their art. Baz-Art was founded in November 2016 with a goal to regulate the industry and champion Africa’s creator economy and become the most prominent street art platform in Africa. Baz-Art intends to showcase and explore the many different ways and forms through which art can tell a story.
One major objective of the IPAF is to showcase thought provoking works of art created by both international and local artists. The theme of the event, “What If?” allows for artists to take a plunge into history and re-examine the current state of things. This year’s theme explores the possibility of extending past the boundaries of the known to expand minds and spaces within society.
For the first time this year, the festival’s line up of carefully curated series of public art works will go beyond street art and murals. This year’s edition will include practices and expressions like sculptures, installations, digital art works, outdoor pop up exhibitions, performances, street art tours, panel talks and more. The festival is set to take place from the 1st of March 2023 – 5th of March 2023 in one of the oldest gardens in South Africa; The Company’s Garden in Cape Town City Center and its environs and is free to the public.
Tourists can either explore the public art route with the assistance of a guide or on their own. Starting from The Company Garden, the route will be packed with art discoveries and expressions that can be experienced by all. The IPAF has collaborated with remarkable artists to showcase site specific artworks that add to the colorful collection of street art in Cape Town.
In seeking to promote a greater awareness of the social power and economic impact that public art possesses, The International Public Art Festival has taken into employment expert guides to anchor the journey through the heart of the city. These guides will educate participants on the historical, cultural and social significance of each piece. Seeing that the art is just as important as the stories behind them, there will be opportunities to meet and interact with the artists and other art enthusiasts.
