Art in Woodstock: Top spaces to visit in this artsy Cape Town neighbourhood

As a suburb well-known for its exciting creative spirit, ‘art in Woodstock’ is not necessarily breaking news. This long-standing member of Cape Town’s collection of artsy suburbs has got a lot going on. Teeming with galleries and working studios, this suburban hub sees creatives flocking to its many art spaces on offer. This is echoed in the area’s murals and street art that have become an attraction in their own right. Looking to stroll through this neighbourhood for some art inspiration? We’ve put together a list of some of the best destinations to visit for the perfect art experience in Woodstock.

Art in Woodstock: Destinations to Visit:

Hamilton Art Gallery

Located in the iconic Old Biscuit Mill, Hamilton Art Gallery offers a selection of works by South African artists and creatives. Pop by to see one of its exhibitions which is changed out regularly, and feature the names of renowned artists including Michaela Rinaldi, Melissa Knoesen, and Max Goldin.

Run by artist Katherine Hendricks – who displays some of her work in the space – Hamilton Gallery is managed by a team of all-female professionals, and maintains an artist’s eye and touch within its curation and daily operation.

Expect a varying selection of styles, mediums and artists within the work on display. This gallery prides itself on its provision of resources and support in clients’ journeys towards buying pieces.

Cost: Free

When: Mon to Sun, 10am to 3pm
Where: Hamilton Art Gallery, Studio A204, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Stevenson Gallery

A staple of the Cape Town art scene, Stevenson Gallery can be found in the heart of the neighbourhood. This contemporary gallery is internationally exhibiting, and also has spaces in Johannesburg and Amsterdam. Now over twenty years old, this renowned art space hosts a range of solo and group exhibitions that engage with art relating to local matters specific to South Africa, as well as issues relating to the rest of the continent and its diaspora.

In addition to giving local artists access to the international art community, the gallery’s FOREX programme, started in 2009, has brought the work of international artists such as Dutch photographer Rineke Dijkstra, Swiss multimedia artist Thomas Hirschhorn, and American conceptual artist Glenn Ligon to South Africa: often for the first time.

A cornerstone of Stevenson is an active publication programme which includes catalogues for many of its exhibitions and artists. These publications are also available online, and the catalogues remain a valuable reference point for curators and art historians.

Cost: Free admission

Where: Stevenson Gallery Cape Town, Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
When: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm | Sat, 10am to 1pm | Sun, Closed

196 Victoria

196 Victoria is a hub for various creative ventures under one roof: combining a mixture of practices, people and activities. Rich in variety, this building offers a diversity of options to tap into Woodstock’s creative spirit.

Always been curious to get into the world of ceramics? Clay Hands is a women-run studio which offers weekly pottery classes in both hand building and wheel work techniques across a range of levels. Or, witness the beauty of traditional craftsmanship with goods from Deluna Knot. Or perhaps attend a Life Drawing class run by artist Tiffany Onderstall. These are just a few of the vibrant activities taking place at 196 Victoria.

This historic building contains an outdoor courtyard with an impressive view of Devil’s Peak, offering a quiet retreat just off of Woodstock’s busy and vibrant roads.

Group and solo exhibitions are often on display in the space too, and offer the chance for many locals to showcase their talents in the cosy setting of this notable building.

Cost: Varying according to specific events and classes

Where: 196 Victoria, 196 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
When: Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm

Art It Is

With so many local artists operating within the area, Art It Is Gallery offers the perfect opportunity to see what contemporary art is being produced by Woodstock’s residents, and local creatives at large.

This gallery offers an accessible space to browse a large variety of artworks. By supporting newer artists, this gallery is making art spaces more accessible to new creative names, as well as those who take an interest in viewing them – or buying them. Some more established and familiar names can also be found in Art It Is too.

This gallery is hard to miss: its impressive display of artworks and contemporary, minimalist logo can be spotted easily while driving along Woodstock’s busy Albert Road. It’s the perfect invitation to go in and have a peak.

Cost: Free

When: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm | Sat, 10am to 2pm
Where: Art It Is Gallery, 76 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

SideTrack Studios

SideTrack Studios is a creative collective located at the Spice Yard, which offers a vibrant business environment growing into its role as an ever-expanding hub for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. Located in the suburb of Salt River, just outside Woodstock, this is a great excursion to include in an art tour of the general area.

SideTrack Studios was launched in 2020 by artist Claude Chandler. It hones in on the power of community within creative circles, and offers a collection of private studio spaces for visual artists’ professional practices.

Mixed in with these spaces focusing on creative generation, there are a handful of distilleries, coffee shops and places to eat.

SideTrack Studios offers purpose-built studios, which allow spaces to feel professional and functional for artists. Look out for Open Studio events which happen throughout the year here, and are a fun inside look into the daily spaces artists occupy. And where the magic happens.

Cost: Please enquire for varying rental prices

When: Varying
Where: SideTrack Studios in The Spice Yard, 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River, Cape Town

Ruth Prowse School of Art

Ruth Prowse is a renowned art school which offers a range of exciting programmes, long-term and short-term courses for different levels of skills.

Founded in 1970 by artist Erik Laubscher, this inclusive school space offers educational resources to develop new artistic skills and spark new passions for anyone.

From full-time Diplomas to an Outreach skills program, Ruth Prowse School of Art offers community-conscious art education opportunities. Looking to learn about art-making? Look no further than this school in the heart of Woodstock.

Cost: Check website for more information on individual course pricing and what’s on offer

When: Throughout the calendar and academic year
Where: Ruth Prowse School of Art, Elson Road, 5 Birkdale Avenue, Woodstock, Cape Town

breakroom

Fairly new on the block, breakroom is the brainchild of iconic contemporary South African artist Igshaan Adams. Adams is a well-known textile artist who exhibits internationally and locally.

Focusing itself as a project space, breakroom is established with the intention of hosting a variety of exhibitions, performances and engagements that can grow through their interactions with the pressing conversations occupying South Africa’s socio-political landscapes.

To see what is on show or what is currently occupying the space, check out breakroom’s Instagram profile here.