Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2026: Expansion, innovation, and the theme of 'Listen'

Image by Terry Levin

Set to grow in square meterage, the 2026 edition will create more space for vibrant dialogue, new exhibitors, and innovative programming. This expanded footprint fosters greater connection between local and international art communities, offering a platform that encourages active listening—an ethos embedded in the year’s guiding theme.

A major part of this evolution is the relocation of the talks programme into the heart of the fair itself, with the construction of a purpose-built auditorium within the exhibition hall, ensuring dialogue and exchange is at the heart of the visitor experience.

This development will be complemented by the introduction of interactive workshops, designed to invite audiences to engage more directly with artists, curators, and thought leaders.

Together, these additions capture the spirit of Listen, transforming the fair into a space for both reflection and participation.

“In 2026, we’re not just increasing in size; we’re expanding in scope,” says Laura Vincenti, fair director. “This growth enables us to facilitate richer conversations, forge new encounters, and elevate opportunities for artists, collectors, and audiences worldwide.”

Active engagement and ethical connection.

Listen as a theme echoes the fair’s commitment to active engagement and ethical connection. “Listening isn’t passive—it’s an embodied act that deepens our understanding of art and one another,” Vincenti explains.

The 2026 edition will feature five core sections and four curated sections — namely, Tomorrows/Today curated by Dr Mariella Franzoni (Barcelona), SOLO curated by Celine Seror (Amsterdam), Generations curated by Tandazani Dhlakama (Toronto), and Cabinet/Record curated by Beata America (Cape Town).

These complement further sections such as Main, Lookout, Editions, Connect, and the refreshed retail space, Capsule. Additionally, the fair will debut a dedicated Performance project, embracing multidisciplinary creativity and pushing boundaries further, as well as a selection of Special Projects.

As always, Investec Cape Town Art Fair celebrates the artists, curators, and forward-thinking art leaders shaping the future of contemporary art through a series of prestigious awards.

This year’s awards programme will introduce new prizes alongside familiar ones, reinforcing the fair’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting artistic communities:

• ORMS International Photography Prize: Making its debut in 2026, this award honours excellence in contemporary photography and invites submissions from photographers featured in the Fair.

• Investec Emerging Artist Award: Recognising outstanding emerging South African talent across various mediums—artists unaffiliated with any institution—whose work exemplifies artistic excellence.

• Tomorrows/Today Prize: Supported by Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa, this award celebrates the most compellingpresentation within the Tomorrows/Today section, chosen by an international jury led by section curator Dr. Mariella Franzoni.

• RDC Acquisition Prize: Presented by RDC Property Group, this prize awards an artist whose work resonates with the Group’s values, with the winning piece exhibited in one of RDC’s landmark properties.

“These awards reflect the fair’s spirit that recognition fuels innovation,” Vincenti emphasises. “As the fair expands, so does our responsibility to champion the emerging voices shaping our collective future.”

With Listen guiding its thematic compass and a broader stage set for 2026, Investec Cape Town Art Fair is set to be an inspiring nexus for exploration, exchange, and truly hearing the diverse voices within contemporary art on the continent and beyond.

For more updates and information, visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za.