Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly returns with biggest line-up yet

Cape Town’s Deep South is set to become a celebration of local creativity when Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly (OSFHC) returns from 9 to 11 October 2026, featuring its largest line-up since the event first launched.

The self-guided art trail will open the doors of more than 20 studio locations across Fish Hoek and Clovelly, giving visitors a rare opportunity to meet more than 30 local artists, view their latest collections, and see where and how their work is created.

The community event has grown significantly since its inaugural edition, which featured 19 artists. This year’s expanded programme introduces two new shared studio hubs — Mothership Studios and Fish Hoek Studios — bringing together creative talents working across painting, sculpture, illustration, and mixed media.

Among this year’s newcomers is bronze sculptor Chris Bladen, whose detailed fish and bird sculptures draw deep inspiration from fly-fishing and birdwatching. Joining him is oil painter Mandy Lake, known for her ocean-inspired abstract works, alongside photographer Angela Buckland, whose work has previously appeared at the Iziko South African National Gallery and Durban Art Gallery. Illustrator Nicolene Louw and multidisciplinary artist Jasper Wolfeman will also join the weekend trail.

Preview night supports breast cancer care

The weekend kicks off on Friday, 9 October 2026, with an exclusive ticketed preview event aimed at serious collectors and art enthusiasts. Tickets cost R150 per person, with all proceeds donated directly to Project Flamingo, an organization providing critical surgery support and care to breast cancer patients in the public healthcare system.

The official opening performance and bespoke art installation will take place at the AP Jones building on Fish Hoek Main Road. Following the launch, preview ticket holders can explore the participating studios until 16:00.

Free weekend access and interactive community art

From Saturday, 10 October, to Sunday, 11 October 2026, all participating studios will open to the general public completely free of charge. Visitors can walk the scenic trail, engage directly with the creators, and purchase original artworks directly from the artists without gallery commissions.

Beyond the studio tours, the three-day programme features several interactive community activities, including:

• Community Post-it Art Exhibition: A collaborative public installation hosted at Peak Café.
• Lubanzi Eco Wine Bucket Challenge: An interactive display where visitors can view and vote for their favourite artist-designed eco wine bucket.

A full route map, detailed studio guide, and comprehensive artist profiles are available on the official event website at openstudios.org.za, with regular updates shared on Instagram ahead of the festival weekend.