From 7-17 June 2024, the scenic coastal town of Hermanus transforms into a bustling hub of artistic expression as it hosts the FynArts Festival. This year’s festival not only highlights the artistic talent of renowned local and international artists, but also features a blend of visual, performing, and culinary arts.
Festival goers can once again look forward to a stimulating and entertaining program presented as a fusion of an Arts Festival and Winter School. This vibrant and educational showcase promises a compelling selection of exhibitions, performances, and workshops designed to inspire, entertain, and educate. As a celebration of arts and culture, FynArts combines these elements into a unique and engaging experience that captivates and delights attendees.
Art Exhibitions
The 2024 FynArts Festival Artist, Mikhael Subotzky, headlines the visual arts sector with an extensive display of his photographic works and recent collages at the FynArts Gallery. Other galleries and studios across Hermanus will host specially curated exhibitions, ensuring art lovers can immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic expressions.
Notable among these is the “Sculpture on the Cliffs” exhibition, where eleven artists present large-scale installations against the dramatic backdrop of Hermanus’s cliffs, offering a unique synthesis of art and nature. All previous participants in Sculpture on the Cliffs are each year invited to exhibit smaller indoor artworks; this year, these can be viewed at The Marine Hotel, which also hosts the Bonsai Exhibition. Additionally, the ceramics group exhibition, “Chromatic Clay,” will once again be hosted at the Windsor Hotel, featuring a vibrant and quirky display of contemporary ceramic art.
Music & Theatre
This year, FynArts expands its performance repertoire to include two theatre productions and a dance performance, alongside its traditional music concerts. The opening concert features violinist Emmanuel Bach and the FynArts orchestra, setting a high standard for subsequent musical showcases. The diverse musical program ranges from classical symphonies to traditional African sounds, modern jazz, opera, and a cappella, ensuring there is something to suit every musical taste.
Other musical performances include the Cape Town VOX choir, Mizar Trio, The Generation Gaps, Scullery Quintet, Enlighten String Ensemble, and the Whale Coast Symphony Orchestra. On Saturday, 15 June, the festival will host a Choir Celebration, sharing the joy of singing with learners from four primary school choirs – Lukhanyo, Waldorf, Zwelihle, and Mount Pleasant. Each performance offers a unique glimpse into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
Inspirational Talks & Award Presentations
The festival’s intellectual offerings are highlighted by the Strauss & Co Series of Talks and Presentations, where thought leaders from various fields discuss art, literature, history, and contemporary issues. A special highlight is the presentation of the FynArts Legacy Award to William Kentridge, the internationally acclaimed South African artist, who will also deliver the keynote address, offering insights into his illustrious career and artistic philosophy.
From ancient civilizations to more recent events that shaped our world, this year’s lineup of speakers will recap, recount, and discuss pivotal moments, forgotten tales, as well as remarkable and interesting figures that thread the tapestry of human experiences.
Among the notable sessions, Joanne Gibson, an award-winning wine writer, presents an intriguing exploration of Vergenoegd, one of the oldest and most intact of the early wine farms of the Cape of Good Hope. Her talk, titled “Early Cape Wine Farms,” delves into the farm’s 18th-century art and architecture and examines a conspiracy theory about the legendary Constantia wine.
Educational Workshops for All Ages
FynArts offers a comprehensive range of workshops catering to both amateurs and seasoned artists, covering diverse topics such as ceramics, painting, drawing, monoprinting, writing, photography, botany, cooking, candle making, bonsai, and flower arranging. Complementing these hands-on sessions, the festival also features daily presentations, interviews, and panel discussions that delve into these artistic and intellectual subjects.
Each workshop and session is carefully designed to provide personalized attention, ensuring that participants gain substantial skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing the festival’s reputation as a dynamic educational hub for creative pursuits.
Gourmet Experiences and Wine Exploration
The culinary series is a festival highlight, featuring demonstrations and workshops led by renowned chefs. Attendees can explore a variety of cuisines and cooking techniques, from poke bowls and sushi to traditional South African dishes. The festival also offers numerous food and wine pairings, hosted by top chefs and wine producers, including lunches, dinners, and morning teas.
Additionally, the ‘Wines of Note’ series offers a deep dive into some of South Africa’s finest vineyards, with guidance from experts such as winemaker Tertius Boshoff and wine writer Tim James. Complementing this, JP Rossouw’s three-part series, ‘Music in Wine,’ provides an innovative pairing of melodies with vintages, enhancing the wine tasting experience.
The Festival Hub
Central to this year’s festival is the Festival Hub at the Municipal Banqueting Hall, where attendees can relax, meet, and browse a selection of books and products by festival presenters and local creatives. This space serves as a social and informational hub, enhancing the communal feel of the festival.
The complete program for the 2024 FynArts Festival is available for review at www.hermanusfynarts.co.za Tickets can be purchased online through Webtickets, the FynArts website, at Pick n Pay stores or Hermanus Tourism Bureau.
For further information or inquiries, please contact 060 957 5371
or via email at [email protected]
