KRANSHOEK NEWS – The Air Festival, held at the Kranshoek Community Centre on Human Rights Day, 21 March, was a vibrant celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The event united diverse cultural groups, artists and communities.

The festival featured the Men of HeArt Visual Art Exhibition, which showcased local and regional artists, offering attendees a chance to engage with South Africa’s dynamic creative landscape.

For families, there were free activities for children, including face painting, henna tattoos and performances by magicians.

Highlights

A highlight of the festival was the Air Dance Challenge, with performances in the African Dance and Rieldans categories. The Knersvlakte Rieldansers from Vredendal and Isithathi Voice of Change were crowned winners, each receiving cash prizes.

As night fell, the crowd was energised by Ibuyambo’s tribal rhythms, led by Dizu Plaatjies, and local DJs who kept the energy high. With over 3 000 attendees, the festival also provided jobs to over 150 artists, vendors and service providers, with a notable focus on women’s participation in the arts.

The Air Festival, founded by the Cape Town Arts Festival and the Ariva Arts Foundation and supported by Bitou Municipality, illustrates how art, dance, and music can unite people across cultural boundaries.

Looking to the future

Festival CEO Yusuf Ganief was pleased with the outcome of the event. “We set out to create a space where people from all walks of life could come together and celebrate our shared humanity,” he said.

“The festival’s success shows that the power of art, dance and music can unite people across all cultural boundaries. We’ve reached our goals, and we’re already looking forward to growing this vision next year to unite more communities and showcase South Africa’s richness to the world.”

It is funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, the Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and the South African Music Performance Rights Association.

Vital support was also given by various community sponsors.

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