Introduction

The International Public Art Festival (IPAF) is Africa's largest annual public art festival, transforming urban spaces through mural art, installations, and community engagement. Launched in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa, IPAF brings together local and international artists to create large-scale public artworks that address social issues, celebrate local culture, and revitalize neighborhoods.

Organized by Baz-Art, a non-profit organization dedicated to using public art as a tool for social change, the festival has become an important platform for public art in Africa. By creating accessible cultural experiences while contributing to urban regeneration, IPAF demonstrates the power of art to transform not only physical spaces but also communities and perceptions.

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of the International Public Art Festival is organized around a central theme that provides a framework for artists to address social, environmental, or cultural issues through their work. These themes reflect contemporary concerns and aspirations, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with local communities and visitors alike.

The 2025 edition, titled "Humanity in Harmony," will explore themes of social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and cultural connection in an increasingly fragmented world. Artists will be invited to create works that imagine new possibilities for harmony between diverse communities, between humans and nature, and between tradition and innovation.

Throughout its history, IPAF has maintained a strong commitment to community engagement and social impact. The festival's approach goes beyond aesthetic transformation to address issues such as economic opportunity, education, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness. By involving local residents in the creative process and creating lasting artworks that reflect community values and experiences, IPAF demonstrates how public art can serve as a catalyst for positive change.

History & Context

The International Public Art Festival was established in 2017 by Baz-Art, a non-profit organization dedicated to using public art as a tool for social change. The festival was initially created to transform the Salt River neighborhood in Cape Town, bringing art into everyday spaces and making it accessible to all community members.

Since its inception, IPAF has grown in scale and impact, expanding its geographical reach and thematic scope while maintaining its community-centered approach. The festival emerged during a period of growing global interest in street art and mural festivals, but with a distinctive focus on social engagement and urban regeneration in the African context.

Featured Murals

The International Public Art Festival showcases a diverse range of murals and installations created by local and international artists. Each artwork transforms urban space while engaging with the festival's theme and the specific context of its location.

Unity in Diversity

A vibrant celebration of South Africa's multicultural identity, featuring symbolic representations of different cultural traditions unified through shared humanity.

Tomorrow's Keepers

A powerful environmental statement depicting children nurturing endangered species, highlighting the responsibility of future generations to protect biodiversity.

Digital Dreams

An exploration of the intersection between traditional African storytelling and digital technology, rendered in geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Impact & Community

The International Public Art Festival goes beyond creating beautiful murals to generate meaningful social and economic impact in the communities it serves. Through its multifaceted approach, IPAF addresses issues such as urban regeneration, skills development, cultural tourism, and social cohesion.

The festival's impact includes tangible outcomes such as increased tourism to previously overlooked neighborhoods, creation of jobs in the creative and tourism sectors, skills development through workshops and apprenticeships, and transformation of public spaces. Equally important are intangible outcomes such as strengthened community pride, preservation of local stories and heritage, and changing perceptions of neighborhoods.

Community engagement is central to IPAF's approach, with local residents involved at every stage of the process. Before the festival, community consultations help shape themes and identify suitable locations. During the festival, residents participate in workshops, tours, and collaborative art projects. After the festival, ongoing programs help maintain artworks and continue engagement with public art.