The inaugural Hout Bay and Llandudno Art Fair, held from Friday 31 January to Sunday 2 February, was met with an extraordinary response, solidifying its place as a new cultural landmark in the community.
“We knew there was an incredible artistic community here, but the sheer volume of talent exceeded all expectations,” said co-founder Georgina Vintin. With nearly 100 artists submitting around 500 pieces, the fair demonstrated the depth and diversity of local artistry.
Hosted at the Ghuba Gallery in Hout Bay, owned by Nel Luyendyk, the fair found a natural home. “I immediately embraced the vision. This is something our community has needed for a long time,” Luyendyk shared.
The fair’s opening night was a sell-out, prompting an expansion in ticket availability. The rest of the weekend remained open to the public, welcoming families and art lovers of all ages.
The fair’s curation, led by Sam Whittaker, struck a balance between artistic excellence and an authentic representation of Hout Bay and Llandudno’s creative identity.
“What emerged wasn’t just polished fine art but a reflection of our unique, diverse community,” Whittaker explained.
The theme, Dual Currents, encapsulated the region’s contrasts natural beauty against urban life, history meeting modernity.
A key highlight was the partnership with Lalela, an organisation empowering youth through art and education.
“Hout Bay is a place of stark contrasts, and this fair had to reflect a sense of social responsibility,” said co-founder Bianca Said.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support Lalela’s programmes, and student artworks were prominently showcased. “It’s more than just exposure it’s about giving these young artists a platform to connect with the world,” Said added.
The fair’s workshops, held at Lumi, a newly opened women’s co-working space and art gallery, offered attendees an interactive experience. “We wanted to create more than just an exhibition it’s about engagement and igniting creativity within the community,” Vintin noted.
Among the standout works were striking photographs by National Geographic’s Chris Minihane, thought-provoking pieces by Lalela facilitator Carol Dube, and a new work by renowned photographer Dale Yudelman titled View-Point, which captured the vibrancy of Imizamo Yethu. “This piece speaks to the heart of our community its resilience, its energy, and its complexity,” Yudelman reflected.
Looking ahead, the fair’s founders have big dreams. “This is just the beginning,” Said remarked. “The response tells us there’s a hunger for this kind of cultural space. Watch this space there’s so much more to come.”
