The second edition of First Thursdays at the Silo District at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town will bring art enthusiasts together around this popular quarterly happening on 4 April, 2024. The event was initiated as a way to experience galleries and museums on foot around the city.
This First Thursdays at the Silo District will take place at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA).
Nene Mahlangu, one of five winners of the 2023 Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge, which was a great initiative for graphic artists, illustrators and designers in South Africa, has created the visual identity of the event.
She will take part in a panel discussion on the evening at the Cape Town Creative Academy (alongside Zeitz MOCAA in the Silo District). Moderated by Jess Wright (Head of mentoring of Business Acumen Artists course at Cape Town Creative Academy), it will bring leaders in the field together around the important topics of business and entrepreneurship in the arts.
Southern Guild walkabout
This will be followed by a walkabout at Southern Guild to enjoy work by Rich Mnisi (Dzuvula – Shedding Skin) and Justine Mahoney (VIGIL), before moving to Zeitz MOCAA for a guided tour of the current exhibitions, including Sala (a group exhibition featuring Athi-Patra Ruga, Robin Rhode, El Anatsui, Michele Mathison and more); Self as a Forgotten Monument by Mame-Diarra Niang; and Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers (a group show with work by Gladys Kalichini, Latedjou, Sekai Machache, Nyancho NwaNri, Pamina Sebastião, Buhlebezwe Siwani, and Helena Uambembe).
Exclusive access
This showcase is sponsored by American Express, which is operated in South Africa under license by Nedbank. Amex Card Members will get exclusive benefits and access for this second edition of First Thursdays at the Silo District. The first 100 American Express Card Members to book tickets online will get free entry into the museum from 6pm. Thereafter, tickets will be available to card mMembers at R125.*
All Card Members will also receive a complimentary welcome drink inside in the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, as well as access to a catered VIP experience on the rooftop terrace, with DJ Thando Dolce Nxumalo providing entertainment.
Additionally, all American Express Card Members who use their Card to buy an entry ticket at Zeitz MOCAA before 30 April, 2024 will have the option to upgrade it to an annual membership, valued at R390, for free. In addition to year-round free entry, the membership will include priority access to museum public events, access to quarterly member events, invitations to special artist engagements, and a 10% discount on purchases at the museum shop and the Gantry Café.
James Wainaina, Vice President, Business Development, East and Southern Africa at American Express, says “Through this sponsorship, our ambition is to support the art community in South Africa and bring enhanced art experiences to art lovers, including our card members.”
Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing at Nedbank, adds: “We believe in bringing about meaningful change and this sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation and community engagement. Through this event, we aim to showcase South Africa’s immense local talent. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey of inspiration.”
To purchase half-price tickets to Zeitz MOCAA (R125), visit Webtickets, with members and under-18s continuing to enjoy free admission as usual.
What: First Thursdays at the Silo District
When: 4 April 2024
Where: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) Cape Town
WS