Infecting the City

Infecting the City is a dynamic public arts festival in Cape Town, South Africa, that brings art directly to the community. Organized by the Africa Centre, this festival emphasizes accessibility, situating art in the heart of the city for everyone to experience. It features a broad spectrum of creative expressions, including site-specific installations, performance art, and artistic interventions, all focused on addressing significant social issues.

The festival began in 2008 as the Infecting The City Performing Arts Festival. It quickly evolved to encompass visual arts and public interventions, leading to a rebranding as Infecting the City Public Arts Festival in 2010. Its mission is to break free from traditional art venues and bring art to the streets, engaging Cape Town's diverse communities. Over the years, the festival has grown, attracting more artists and larger audiences.

Each year, the festival revolves around a specific theme that addresses social issues, encouraging both artists and attendees to reflect deeply and creatively on these topics. Past themes have included "Treasure" "Human Rite" and "Home Affairs." The festival showcases a wide range of art forms, such as visual art, performance, public interventions, and music, showcasing the region's rich cultural diversity.

Infecting the City invites artists to engage with the city's unique dynamics and societal challenges, envisioning a more inclusive and transformative society. It provides a platform for artists to push boundaries, provoke thought, and meaningfully interact with public spaces. Through its thematic focus and diverse programming, Infecting the City aims to spark dialogue, inspire reflection, and celebrate South Africa's vibrant artistic traditions.