Clarens Arts Festival 2026
Set against the sandstone mountains of the Eastern Free State, the Clarens Arts Festival returns for its fifth edition from 24–27 April 2026, transforming the village of Clarens into a lively gathering point for artists, collectors and cultural audiences from across South Africa.
While the programme spans literature, music and performance, the visual arts remain a central draw of the festival. Across multiple venues in the village, visitors will encounter sculpture, ceramics, painting and textile design in exhibitions that celebrate both established figures and emerging voices in the South African art landscape.
Anton Smit: Chronicles of Faith
A major highlight of the festival is Chronicles of Faith, an exhibition by acclaimed South African sculptor Anton Smit. Widely recognised for his monumental heads and expressive figurative works, Smit’s sculptures explore themes of suffering, reconciliation, transcendence and human resilience.
Spanning more than five decades of artistic practice, the exhibition reveals the breadth of Smit’s visual language — from minimalism and realism to expressionist and futurist influences. His work, exhibited internationally in Italy, Germany, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom, is held in major public and private collections.
The exhibition will be presented at the NG Church Pastorie Gardens, offering audiences a powerful encounter with one of South Africa’s most celebrated sculptors.
Highveld Ceramics: Curated
Debuting at the festival, Highveld Ceramics: Curated presents a refined selection of artists working within the ancient discipline of ceramic art. Carefully curated by Eugene Hon in association with John Shirley and Michelle Legg, the exhibition explores the expressive potential of clay through both contemporary experimentation and traditional vessel forms.
From delicate porcelain to sculptural ceramic works inspired by Asian traditions, the exhibition celebrates the dialogue between artist and material, highlighting craftsmanship, texture and form.
The exhibition is hosted at Clarens Interiors, providing an intimate setting to experience the tactile beauty of ceramic practice.
Basotho Blanket Exhibition
Celebrating cultural heritage and contemporary design, the Basotho Blanket Exhibition showcases the iconic Basotho Heritage Blankets alongside new interpretations by emerging designers. The exhibition also features the My Africa Designer Collection, highlighting the stories, symbolism and identity embedded within these celebrated textiles.
Visual Arts Exhibition on the Village Square
At the heart of the festival, the Visual Arts Exhibition gathers a wide range of South African artists working across painting, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media. Presented under the marquee on the village town square, the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to encounter a diverse selection of works by both established and emerging practitioners.
Artists exhibiting include Veronia Stafford, Waldo Herselman, Steve Strauss, Paul Murray, Tanja Davey, Ryan Loubser, Minette Cilliers, Sandy Godwin, Monica van den Berg, Lucinda Lens, Lynette Schuld, Neil Moss, Louisa van den Berg, Kevin Collins, Lauren Opia, Jodie Loubser, Eugene Hon, Corné Eksteen, Dale Lambert, Caroline Schulz Vieira, Alison Smith and many others.
A Cultural Gathering in the Free State
Since its establishment in 2022, the Clarens Arts Festival has grown into a significant cultural event, bringing together artists, performers, writers and audiences in a setting known for its creative energy and natural beauty. For collectors, art enthusiasts and travellers alike, the festival offers an opportunity to experience contemporary South African art within one of the country’s most beloved art villages.
Exhibition Times:
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily during the festival
For further programme details and artist information visit:
https://www.clarensartsfestival.co.za
