Art Of The Day Weekly

Letter from Cape Town

A few years after the World Cup in 2010, the spot light is once again on South Africa. The event is not as glorious, it is the verdict of the Pistorius trial. We know the other major attractions: safaris, rugby, Mandela, among others. However, we should remember the country also has an array of cultural assets. In this beginning of the Southern spring Cape Town is the first city in Africa to receive the title of “world capital of design”, awarded every two years since Torino in 2008. Nearly 500 events have been programmed, including exhibitions, conferences or themed promenades. Aside from the buildings that have made the headlines such as the Waterfront complex in 1992 or the Green Point Stadium in 2010, a huge museum of contemporary art – the MOCAA -is to open in the former silos of the port, redesigned by Thomas Heatherwick. A sort of Tate Modern of the southern hemisphere. To enjoy a glimpse on how these former industrial buildings are being used, one must visit the current most dynamic district, where a former cookie factory (The Biscuit Mill), a former foundry (The Foundry) and various Art deco warehouses are brought in for a second life, combining well-renowned chefs (Luke Dale-Roberts), ceramic artists and organic farmers. The name is easy to remember and rings like a manifesto: Woodstock.

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