By Sbusiso Ketwa.
The Federation of Gauteng Community Arts Centres, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (GDSACR), will host the Gauteng Community Arts Centres Indaba 2026 on 31 October and 1 November 2026 at the Market Theatre Photography Workshop in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Held under the theme “Positioning Community Arts at a Centre of Cultural, Creative and Community Development”, the Indaba will bring together representatives from 50 community arts centres across Gauteng’s five regions, alongside 25 organisations funded through the Gauteng Community Arts Development Programme.
The gathering aims to address key challenges facing community arts centres, including inadequate funding, infrastructure constraints, sustainability, skills development and limited coordination between centres, municipalities and government.
Mpho Molepo, Provincial and National Chairperson of Community Arts Centres, says the Indaba is an opportunity for the sector to unite, confront its challenges and push for meaningful change.
“Community arts centres are more than buildings where art happens; they are the heartbeat of our communities. They are where talent is discovered, culture is preserved, young people find their voices and artists get an opportunity to shine. But passion alone cannot sustain this sector. Our centres need resources, recognition and meaningful support. This Indaba is our opportunity to speak with one voice, confront the challenges we face and demand a future where community arts are not an afterthought, but an essential part of Gauteng’s cultural and economic development. We are not just asking for support; we are calling for action.”
The programme will focus on strengthening partnerships with government and municipalities, improving access to funding, professionalising the sector and creating pathways for artists and practitioners to build sustainable careers in the creative industries. It will also include a mini-launch of the Gauteng Community Arts Development Programme.
Meet the funded organisations
The 25 organisations funded through the Gauteng Community Arts Development Programme are:
- Creative Works and Arts Foundation
- Generation of Stars
- GOMACC
- Inkaba Creative Art House
- Mvelo Theatre Group
- Selaelo Chuene Art Centre
- Dinganga Creations
- Alex Theatre Company & Academy
- Rand West City Arts Council
- Mogale City Arts & Culture Forum
- Ubizo Ma Afrika Theatre Organisation
- Botaki Ba Afrika
- Music Academy of Gauteng
- TX Theatre
- Funda Community College
- Paepae Creative Art
- Dithwaneng Theatre Projects
- Dlala Mapantsula Reflections
- Rise High African Child
- i’Trotra Art Connection
- Sibikwa Arts Centre
- Black Roots Players
- Boikgantsho Arts Academy
- Luthando Arts Academy
- Dance Academy, Theatre & Studios
The Indaba aims to move beyond discussion towards practical resolutions and a coordinated implementation framework that will guide the sector’s priorities over the next 12 months.