The countdown is on as visitors and residents are invited to connect at the 10th annual Plett ARTS Festival in Plettenberg Bay, Bitou Local Municipality in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
A true artist is not one who is inspired but one who inspires others. —Salvador Dalí
Plett Tourism has – for the past decade – connected with artists, events organisers and makers to offer a bouquet of performances, exhibitions, shows, and workshops to entertain, energise and feed the soul. The programme is available, and bookings are open for the 2023 Plett ARTS Festival offering an immersive and uniquely “Plett” arts experience from 29 September – 8 October 2023. The theme of the festival is CONNECT: connect with nature, connect with the elements, connect with the artists and performers, and connect with each other.
Could we imagine a world without the arts? No sunset photos, no dancing, no boutique gin or gourmet pizza? Without creativity and inspiration there would be no tattoo parlours, no home decor, no film, no poetry and no lyrics. It is well documented that society expresses itself through the arts: a collective memory of the time that we live in, the times that have come before and our hopes for the future. We express our creativity and love of the arts in so many ways that it’s easy to overlook the way that they are interwoven through our lives and the profound effects that they have on body, mind and soul. Art can spark a cultural revolution, unify people behind a common goal and forever change the way that we see the world.
New to the Plett ARTS Festival programme is the African Waves Arts Festival on 7th October, which brings together both experienced artists and novice sensations for a single day of showcase, workshops and an epic evening show to complete a busy and inspiring day. One of South Africa’s foremost percussionists, John Hassan – and the Hassan’adas with guest Buddy Wells – will rock the socks off an evening performance at the Piesang Valley Hall. During the day, there will be two free, immersive workshops: one in indigenous music and rieldans, and another in uhadi with musical duo Ancient Voices. Additionally, there will be a musical showcase of new internet sensations and a performance of music and movement from Ancient Voices. Tshisa Talent producer and event organiser, Maphiko Mncedisi Ncedani, sums it up perfectly: “African Waves: feel the waves, be part of the magic of arts.” There are free shows and workshops, and ticketed performances with limited bookings. Booking is encouraged. All of this in one day of the Plett ARTS Festival!
Always popular, Delicious Film & Compelling Food returns with Plett Food & Film in the form of a delightful pairing of the Academy Award-winning film, Cinema Paradise which critics proclaimed as “a life-affirming ode to the power of youth, nostalgia and to movies themselves.” The film is paired with a delicious al-fresco Italian feast, a performance by Plett’s own international baritone, Mike Bhayibhile, and the return of Chef Karen Dudley to share her Love Panino. Set with spring in the air; food, film and music combine to produce a magical event not to be missed. Early bird tickets are currently available and bookings are limited.
In a festival of familiar favourites and fabulous firsts, New Horizons will launch their monthly New Horizons Market on 7th October complete with food court, car audios park-off, arts, a market for goods, and arts and culture shows – headlined by well-known jazz band, Breez’n led by Kenny Jantjies. Another first is Kasi Lyftstyle’s Pizza Monday: aimed at promoting cultural exchange and diversifying local township cuisine and culture whilst sharing the spirit of ubuntu. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a pizza and wine, and an exhibition of local crafters, storytellers, artists, DJs and performers – all telling the story of Plettenberg Bay. Tickets for this event are limited, so booking is encouraged.
Plett is no stranger to the concept of Land Art, having hosted two international Site_Specific Land Art events in 2013 and 2014. However, the concept of the Plett Land Art Route resurfaced a few years ago and has gained popularity amongst land artists and performing artists. Land Art is simple, and beautiful: artists spend time producing works from their natural environment or that are part of the natural environment. These artworks are ephemeral and only last as long as wind, water, and tide allow: a fleeting glimpse at human’s attempts to match the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Artworks will be displayed along Plett’s beaches, Tebelo Lighthouse and Fisanthoek. A map will be available during the festival. The theme of this year’s Land Art Route is SPARK and there is much anticipation as to how each artist will interpret this.
In addition to these highlights, art exhibitions will be popping up around Plett, ceramics and painting workshops will share time with intimate concerts and jazz performances. The introduction to the Plett ARTS Festival begins – as always – with the opening night of the festive Plett ARTS Twilight Meander – a meeting of minds and connecting in Plett’s Main Street on 29 October 2023 with many exhibitions opening on this evening. Visitors are invited to stroll on our charming Main Street, stop for a coffee or a meal, sip and snack and connect with the artists to be inspired, be curious and be lighthearted when enfolded in the wonderful world of the arts.