First Thursdays in Cape Town are always buzzing with culture and lively activations. American Express is joining forces with the Silo District to curate a map of the best art exhibitions to see, informative discussions, bars and restaurants, and live entertainment.
Below is a rundown of what to expect!
All about First Thursdays at the Silo District by American Express
American Express is showing support for South Africa’s creative industry with the quarterly edition of First Thursdays. The second edition of First Thursdays at the Silo District will take place at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) on 4 April, and feature exhibits of exciting artists curated by Nene Mahlangu.
There are loads of exclusive benefits in store for American Express Cardmembers such as access at Zeitz MOCAA, and further into the new year. All Card Members will receive a complimentary welcome drink inside in the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, as well as access to a catered VIP experience on the rooftop terrace, with DJ Thando Dolce Nxumalo providing entertainment. They also qualify for numerous special offers on entry fees (see below).
Visit these art galleries in the Silo precinct
Zeitz MOCAA
For those who haven’t yet experienced the incredible architecture and atmosphere of Zeitz MOCAA, especially at night, First Thursdays is a unique opportunity to explore some of the art currently on display. Nene Mahlangu, one of five winners of the 2023 Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge, (a new initiative for graphic artists, illustrators and designers in South Africa), has created the visual identity for this event.
At 5pm in the neighbouring building, Cape Town Creative Academy, Nene Mahlangu will take part in a panel discussion on the evening at the Cape Town Creative Academy, (next to the Zeitz MOCAA building). The panel discussion, which focuses on business and entrepreneurship in the arts, also features Bonolo Kavula (artist and graduate of Michaelis School of Fine Art and Business Acumen for Artists), Khensani Nobanda (Group Executive: Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank), and Lara Rosmarin (Head of Entrepreneur Development and Incubation at UVU Africa). It is moderated by Jess Wright (Head of mentoring of Business Acumen Artists course at Cape Town Creative Academy).
Every hour on the hour from 6:30pm onwards, guided tours at the Zeitz will take place will delve into current exhibitions. These include Sala (a group exhibition featuring Athi-Patra Ruga, Robin Rhode, El Anatsui, Michele Mathison and more); Self as a Forgotten Monument by Mame-Diarra Niang; and Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers (a group show with work by Gladys Kalichini, Latedjou, Sekai Machache, Nyancho NwaNri, Pamina Sebastião, Buhlebezwe Siwani, and Helena Uambembe).
Cost: Non-Amex ticket buyers: R125pp on First Thursdays only (half the usual price) on Webtickets. Zeitz MOCAA members and under 18’s enter FREE as usual. Annual Zeitz MOCAA membership costs R390, offering unlimited access year-round, along with invitations to special events and other benefits.
Amex Card Members: The first 100 American Express Card Members to book tickets online will get free entry into the museum from 6pm. Thereafter, tickets will be available to Card Members at R125 (half the usual price). Buy an entry ticket at Zeitz MOCAA using an Amex card before 30 April 2024 have the option to upgrade it to an annual Zeitz MOCAA membership, valued at R390, for free. In addition to year-round free entry, the Amex/Zeitz membership will include priority access to museum public events, access to quarterly member events, invitations to special artist engagements, and a 10% discount on purchases at the museum shop and the Gantry Café.
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, S Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront
Southern Guild
Southern Guild commissions, produces and exhibits contemporary works by the most compelling talents in South Africa. Founded in 2008, this art gallery in Cape Town has pioneered the functional art and collectable design category on the African continent while driving its collective of artists and designers to make globally relevant, original work.
This time, enjoy works by Rich Mnisi (Dzuvula – Shedding Skin) and Justine Mahoney (VIGIL).
American Express Cardmembers score a 15% discount on books and publications purchased with an AMEX card.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Southern Guild, 5 Silo District, V&A Waterfront
DAOR Contemporary
Head over to DAOR Contemporary, located inside an industrial building rescued from dilapidation – shaped, cleaned, and transformed to showcase and celebrate some of the most exciting contemporary African artists of our time.
The gallery has a strong focus on South African and Pan-African art from both mid-career and emerging talent working across various disciplines.
You will need to present your ID or driver’s license to get access to the Port of Cape Town.
American Express Cardmembers receive a small editioned print, gifted by the artist, with each artwork purchased with an AMEX card at the exhibition opening.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: DAOR Contemporary Art Gallery, Port of Coode Cres, V&A Waterfront
Art@Africa gallery
Art@Africa Gallery is perfectly positioned to overlook the iconic Clocktower at the V&A Waterfront. The small art gallery in Cape Town hosts a steady lineup of meaningful exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of South African art.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Art@Africa art gallery, 1st Floor, Clocktower Centre, Silo District, Portswood Rd, V&A Waterfront
Drink and Dine at Silo’s coolest cafes
OUI Bar and Radisson RED Rooftop
OUI Bar at Radisson RED serves up some of the best craft food and drink in the city with a creative twist. The easy, dining spot captures the vibrant energy that flows throughout the Silo district, especially on First Thursdays.
Looking to make the most of the fine weather? Head upstairs to one of the most popular rooftop bars in Cape Town. Radisson RED Roof is the ideal spot to soak up the sunset and great views beside the hotel’s rooftop pool. Cocktails and drinks are served at the bar too.
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront
Si Cantina Sociale
If you’re after a dining spot or watering hole to unwind between art walks, Si Cantina Sociale boasts a relaxed rustic chic atmosphere where you can tuck into their farm-to-table menu. Here the focus is on organic where possible, made with sustainable and locally sourced ingredients and mostly made in-house. Run your eyes over their drinks selection that features classic cocktails, bubbles, and some of the best wines from the Cape Winelands.
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Si Cantina Sociale, 5A1 Silo District, V&A Waterfront
The Yard
The Yard is a hybrid concept space comprising a Pan Asian restaurant, bar, coffee shop and lifestyle retail store. The restaurant also hosts regular art exhibitions. Retreat outdoors for al fresco dining on the patio.
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: The Yard, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
Live music to set the mood
V&A Waterfront is known for their lively atmosphere created by some of Cape Town’s most talented buskers. Look out for live performances across the Silo District on First Thursdays from Al Petersen, Ilitha Lelanga, the Marimba Ensemble, Julian Wenn, Khuthadzo Nema, Mmino, Rosewood Avenue, and Swing Dancing.
When: Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Throughout the Silo District, V&A Waterfront
