Cape Town Photography Festival 2025: A Month‑Long Celebration of Heritage Through the Lens
Cape Town is finally getting its own dedicated photography festival—and it’s launching in a big way.
The Cape Town Photography Festival, taking over the city from 1–30 September 2025, promises an unforgettable month of exhibitions, talks, workshops, and more—all centered around Heritage Month and the theme of heritage through photography.
THE WHO, WHAT & WHY
Festival Director Heidi Erdmann, curator and art historian, is leading the inaugural edition to showcase photography’s power to explore identity, memory, culture, and belonging.
Held at galleries and community venues across Cape Town, Bellville, Simonstown, and Stellenbosch, the festival provides an interactive, city-wide platform for local and international photographers and audiences alike.
FEST HIGHLIGHTS / PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Here’s what to expect in September:
Notable Exhibitions Include
The Black and White Fifties (Jürgen Schadeberg, Sanlam Gallery, Bellville)
Van Kalker Photo Collection (District Six Museum)
Family Album (Naoya Yoshikawa, Laubscher Gallery)
Future Heritage (curated group show featuring Mohau Modisakeng et al., Aspire Art)
Until All Birds Can Sing: On Being Queer in South Africa (Moena Weiss, YoungBlood Gallery)
Okay Other Notables: exhibitions by Sue Williamson, Peter Glendinning, Margaret Courtney Clarke, Roger Ballen, and others spread across key venues.
Festival Programmes Include:
Artist talks and panels (e.g. Geraldine Frieslaar, Darryl David, Virginia McKenny, Lindeka Qampi)
Portfolio reviews, demonstrations, and educational workshops (with a focus on youth outreach)
Analogue printing and darkroom sessions hosted by Sean Wilson; school-group photography workshops led by Lindeka Qampi
WHY IT MATTERS / CULTURAL IMPACT
This is Cape Town’s first official photography festival in over a decade, aiming to reclaim photography’s role in national identity and storytelling. By aligning with Heritage Month, the festival uses the theme of heritage as a lens on society’s past and future—through local and global photographic narratives.
It’s set to draw photographers, curators, students, educators, activists, and global art tourists, creating a dynamic cultural dialogue around Cape Town’s visual heritage.
WHAT'S NEXT / UPCOMING DETAILS
Fundraising Auction “IN PICTURE” runs 3–14 July via Aspire Art — proceeds support festival programming and youth initiatives.
Talks & Workshops Booking: Most sessions require advance booking, often available through Webtickets or the festival website.
Key Dates: The festival runs from 4–27 September 2025 (some sources cite 1–30 Sept). Confirm early before planning a visit.
FOLLOW / ENGAGE CTA
Want to follow local visual storytelling and art events? Keep tabs on Cape Town Photo Fest via their [official website] or social handles. And stay tuned with EIE Digital’s Social Proof for insights on cultural events that matter.
