Get ready to see, sip, savour and take in the sounds: 10 must-do moments at the Stellenbosch Triennale, brainchild of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST) and supported by the Outset Contemporary Art Fund.
The Stellenbosch Triennale is back and once again turning South Africa’s wine country into the ultimate destination for art, culture and good vibes from 19 February to 30 April 2025.
Whether you’re into thought-provoking exhibitions, cutting-edge films or vibing through the sculpture-lined streets, this year’s event – themed BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing – has something for everyone.
Discover emerging artists, dive into panel discussions that challenge the norm and experience art that dissolves into the world around it. And don’t worry – Stellenbosch’s world-class food, wine and social scene are all part of the experience, making it the perfect hangout for your next weekend getaway or day trip. Here are ten ways to make the most of this artsy adventure!
1. Time travel at From the Vault
History gets a remix in three exhibitions under Chief Curator Khanyisile Mbongwa and Assistant Curator Dr Mike Mavura. Hosted at the Rupert Museum & Stellenbosch University Museum, From the Vault uncovers buried archives and forgotten artifacts, challenging what we know about history and how we tell it. This year’s featured artists are all from South Africa: Andile Dyalvane, Kemang wa Lehulere, Lungiswa Joe and Sisonke Papu. Expect to see the past reframed as a canvas for reinvention.
2. Live in the moment at In the Current
Step into the now with this showcase of global heavyweights at the In the Current exhibition participating artists include Alexandre Kyungu Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa) Simphiwe Ndzube (South Africa), Thierry Oussou (Benin), Torkwase Dyson (USA) and William Miko (Zambia). This is where contemporary art asks the big questions about life today. Be ready for surprises, provocations and reflections that resonate.
3. Discover the next big thing at On the Cusp
Emerging artists from Africa are turning up the volume in the second installment of the exhibition. From Mozambique to Zimbabwe, Namibia to South Africa, this platform gives a stage to a fresh wave of creatives rewriting Africa’s story with grit, boldness and vision. Featured artists include Astrid González (Colombia/Chile), Helen Zeru (Ethiopia), Kasangati Godelive Kabena (Democratic Republic of Congo), Nandele Maguni (Mozambique), Manyaku Mashilo (South Africa), Simphiwe Buthelezi (South Africa), Takunda Regis Billiat (Zimbabwe) and Tuli Mekondjo (Namibia).
4. Dive into debates
Big ideas take centre stage at panel discussions that’ll make you think – and rethink. Highlights include
- Inheritance: Museums, Archives, Memory and Culture (20 Feb), which challenges old museum models and considers how ‘new museums’ allow for a shift in the way in which we engage with them. The question is can we enter the museum as a project of cultural recovery?
- Kubuzwa kwaba Phambili (you ask those that come before you) – Cultural Practices and Indigenous Knowledges (21 Feb), connects jazz, township architecture and cultural memory.
5. Catch cutting-edge films
Mark 22 February for Bioscope, where a curated lineup of films will dazzle. Watch on screen award-winning director Campbell X’s film Untitled; Gladys Kalichini’s Wanditulusa, Ixchel Tōnantzin Xōchitlzihuatl (who works with a collective of visionaries from around the world) with Jaguar Song; Santiago Mostyn’s Language Against Identity; and Sara Chitambo-Hatira’s Black People Don’t Get Depressed. This is storytelling at its rawest and most compelling.
6. Savour Stellenbosch’s culinary scene
Art’s best paired with good food and Stellenbosch has plenty to offer. Craving Mediterranean dishes? Head to Pane e Vino at Bosman’s Crossing. Fancy Indian spices? Punjab is your spot. In town, try Genki for sushi, Die Wijnhuis for local bites, Decameron for Italian, contemporary dining (and great vegetarian options) at De Warenmarkt or grab a burger at De Vrije Burger. Trust us, you won’t leave hungry. An extra plus is they are all within walking distance of the Stellenbosch University Museum.
7. Walk through art Step into art – explore the streets
Ever walked a town where art greets you at every corner? Thanks to SOST’s vision, streets in the town’s centre are adorned with sculptures from past exhibitions for everyone to enjoy in an approachable environment. SOST hosts annual exhibitions of public artworks in town and after each annual exhibition, one work of art remains in the town for visitors and locals to enjoy. Lace up your walking shoes and let art guide your journey through this picturesque town.
8. Meander along the Artmile
The Stellenbosch Artmile is a tranquil blend of nature and creativity. Wander along the Eerste River, where Tapestry of Time installations explore the progression of history of the area along the river. It’s a breath of fresh air – literally and artistically. Emerging and established artists will showcase their work: Jean Brundrit, Jacques Buys, John de Jager, Dané Erwee, Rudolf Gouws, Rose Kirumira, Nina Kruger, Vulindlela Nyoni, Ledelle Moe, Juan Piek, Strijdom van der Merwe, Gina van der Ploeg, Edoardo Villa and Sivan Zeffertt.
9. See art change lives
An exciting addition this year is the Arts-Based Inquiry Initiative, which takes art beyond galleries, addressing trauma and educational challenges in underprivileged schools. As a founding platform for art education, SOST has long understood the power of the arts to break down barriers and transform young lives. This inspiring 10-week project in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, incorporates visual arts, music, dance and drama to support learners from under-resourced communities.
10. Meditate on sound
Close your eyes and let the vibrations carry you. On Sunday, 23 February from 4 pm to 6 pm at Oude Libertas, Ndisebenzela iThongo explores sound as a sacred ancestral technology for healing, remembrance and emergence, using traditional instruments crafted from wood, bone, calabash and metal. Siphila Ngokuphefumlelana’s sonic meditation makes use of breath and sound to invite participants into ukumamela, a practice of deep listening. These soulful experiences are the perfect way to reconnect and recharge.
The Stellenbosch Triennale isn’t just an event – it’s an experience, a journey and a feast for the senses. Best of all, entry is free. So grab your friends, your curiosity and your sense of wonder and head to the City of Oaks.
For tour bookings with the Chief Curator of the Stellenbosch Triennale or more information, please contact Cindy Carnie at E cindy@stellenboschtriennale.com
WHAT: Stellenbosch Triennale 2025
WHERE: Stellenbosch
WHEN: 19 February to 30 April 2025
INFO:VISIT | Follow Stellenbosch Triennale on X (Twitter) @stbtriennale, Instagram @stellenboschtriennale, and Facebook @stellenboschtriennale. Hashtags: #StellenboschTriennale #ST2025
