Discover Visual Arts at Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2026

Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, in partnership with South Africa’s leading fine arts auction house, Strauss & Co., has curated a visual feast for this year’s festival, with exhibitions, talks, experiences, and even a number of coffee raves for art lovers.

Once again, Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees and Strauss & Co. are putting together an auction of beautiful, exciting and challenging contemporary art, giving the public an opportunity to buy works by some of the foremost artists working today. A selection of works available at auction will be exhibited in the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Klein Wêreld, an exhibition of small works by contemporary artists, and Spier’s Creative Blocks present further opportunities to purchase art at very affordable prices.

Other exhibitions range from festival artist Daniel Naudé’s monumental new body of work, Still Life, a series of photographs of tiny insects captured in microscopic detail and blown up to massive scale, to a wonderful selection of works by celebrated modernist and expressionist Maggie Laubser, both on display in the US Museum.

In 2026, everyone seems to be looking to find stillness in this busy life through art: Strauss & Co. are putting up an exhibition of still life paintings at Oude Leeskamer, entitled Anything but Static: A selection of modern and contemporary Still Life featuring the classic motifs of flowers, fabrics, and food, but also expanding our conception of the still life. The annual jewellery exhibition and auction also features pieces themed around still life.

Other artist and gallery exhibition highlights include works from mixed media creative Klara-Marié den Heijer, photographer Lunga Kama, large portrait artist Marié Stander, colourful sculptor Strijdom van der Merwe, and experimental works from Trude Gunther.

More from Strauss & Co.

World art enthusiasts can join collector Lizelle Kilbourn and Strauss & Co’s Bina Genovese in their discussion of the Venice Biennale 2026, offering their personal perspectives into the international exhibition, and the presence of African art in these global markets.

Those wanting a bit more insight on the art auction, its artists, and the most valued works can join Senior Art Specialist Elmarie van Straten, who provides audiences with a deeper understanding of each artist’s practices and the meaning behind their pieces.

Dr Alastair Meredith, a true veteran of the South African art industry, delivers a talk on how the local market has evolved over time, in many ways separate to the global art world, and where it now stands in 2026 with its own array of icons, trends, and esteemed collectors.

Artists and collectors have the opportunity to have their art valued by Strauss & Co.’s professional team, giving confidential and obligation-free appraisals of art and jewellery. Quality work can even be included in the company’s upcoming Cape Town and Johannesburg auctions.

Anyone seeking a healthy alternative to traditional nightlife can join one of the two Strauss & Co. coffee raves, where DJs, baristas, and dancers come together to start the day off with a social get-together.

Other offerings include live performance painting from Gabrielle Kruger, multi-layered creative workshops combining visual art and poetry, and masterclasses in discerning art collection.

Exploring Visual Arts In Stellenbosch

Outside of those listed, there are many other exhibitions, arts walks and events showcasing visual arts in and around Stellenbosch during the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees in 2026. This comprehensive programme offers multiple ways to engage with South African art – whether you’re a potential collector, student of art history, craft admirer, or someone seeking aesthetic inspiration and guidance.

Guests of Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees can discover and be inspired by the festival’s dynamic visual arts programme, which transforms Stellenbosch into a vibrant canvas of South African creativity.