The Future in Motion exhibition, a collaboration between Cape Racing and Art School Africa, opened on Wednesday 11 December at Kenilworth Racecourse. The exhibition, which runs until March next year, features the works of 27 emerging artists from across the African continent, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents in a space traditionally reserved for horse racing.
Cape Racing’s Chief Operating Officer, Donovan Everitt, discussed the significance of merging horse racing with art: “Our goal is to create an experience that connects different audiences, art lovers and horse racing enthusiasts alike. This exhibition is an opportunity to demonstrate how a racecourse can serve as a unique cultural venue, not only for sport but for artistic expression as well.”
The exhibition includes artists from South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with works that explore themes ranging from African identity to the role of sport in society. The Future in Motion reflects the growing influence of contemporary African art and its ability to resonate beyond the traditional gallery space.
Julia Buchanan, founder of Art School Africa, spoke about the process of selecting the featured artists. “We received over 100 submissions, and the selection process was rigorous,” she explained. “The quality of the work was exceptional, showcasing the immense talent emerging from Africa.” Buchanan added that the exhibition is an opportunity for these young artists, aged 18 to 35, to engage with a new audience, while also developing the business skills necessary to sustain their careers.
Among the featured artists is Lindokuhle Skosana, who shared his thoughts on being part of the exhibition: “This platform is invaluable, as it allows me to reach a wider audience and engage with people who might not typically experience my work.
It’s also a reflection of the growing recognition of African artists in global spaces.”
The exhibition also highlights how racecourses, like Kenilworth, can offer more than just sporting events. The racecourse has been transformed into an immersive environment where art and sport come together, challenging the traditional role of such venues and expanding the scope of what they can represent.
Cape Racing’s collaboration with Art School Africa reflects a broader commitment to cultural inclusion. “Art has the power to bring people together,” said Everitt.
“By offering this exhibition, we aim to make art more accessible and highlight the diverse creative voices that are shaping the future of African culture.”
While the exhibition provides emerging artists with a significant platform, it also serves as a reminder of the long history of artistic engagement with horseracing. Artists like Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet have long used horseracing as a subject, and The Future in Motion continues this tradition by bridging the worlds of sport, art, and culture.
Free entry to the exhibition will be offered on select days.
The exhibition is part of a wider initiative to bring together the worlds of sport and culture, encouraging audiences to explore the diverse ways these two fields intersect.
