‘See things differently’, gain fresh perspectives and celebrate our diverse cultural heritage. Iziko Museums has partnered with the City of Cape Town, Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA); St George’s Cathedral’s Crypt Memory and Witness Centre; Creative Cape Town and the Company’s Garden to host the in_herit Festival. An exciting and entertaining heritage week programme of art, food, and fun – a platform to celebrate, question, think and create.
Iziko’s Heritage Week programme launches on 17 September with *FREE Entry for all to Iziko Museums (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium, which offers free entry on the 24th only). Our mini film festival will showcase documentaries produced by the students from Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking. The films, about heritage, identity, arts and culture, give audiences an unusual window into our world. Authentic stories portrayed by indigenous filmmakers will be flighted daily from 11:00 until 15:00 at the TH Barry Lecture Theatre, Iziko South African Museum.
Heritage Day, 24 September, is a jam-packed fun-filled day of exciting activities and free entry to all Iziko Museums (including the Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium). in_herit the city and attend a range of events and activities in and around the Company’s Garden. Explore the dynamic and multi-faceted programme of performances, storytelling, public dialogues and exhibitions.
The celebration kicks off at 10:00 at the Iziko South African Museum. Traditional dance performances, poetry sessions, music and more, will be hosted at the ‘hearth of our heritage.’ Iziko Museums offers something exciting for the young and the bold.
Storytelling:
Join storytellers, Jose M. de Prada-Samper and Helena Cuesta for an unusual walkabout of the Iziko South African Museum. Listen to the myths and legends of /Xam San, Zulu, Japanese, Irish and Inuit people while exploring the Museum’s Rock Art Gallery, Ethnographic Hall, Oceans displays and the Whale Well.
Planetarium Shows:
Travel between the stars at the Iziko Planetarium and be transported through space and time. Meet our furry little hero Morris Mouse, explore many wonderful sights and meet unusual characters (for ages 5-9). Discover the secrets of the Mayan Long Count calendar and find out whether 2012 is really the ‘End or the Beginning’ (for adults and teens).
Heritage Day Public Dialogues:
Iziko’s public dialogues are platforms to ignite discussion, engage ideas and share thoughts and solutions. ‘Passing the baton’ explores the legacy of Ernest Mancoba and is based on the Ernest Mancoba Education Poster Project exhibition. Join the EMEPP teachers, artist, Peter Clarke, Lionel Davis, Athi Mongezeleli Joja and Lonwabo Kilani as well as project director, Bridget Thompson in discussing the current state of art interpretation and the experiences of community art by artists and the public. This panel discussion, at the Iziko South African National Gallery Annexe at 10:00, will be chaired by Art and Ubuntu Chairperson, Zubeida Jaffer.
‘Celebrating our present by reflecting on our past sporting achievements,’ takes place at 12:00 in the TH Barry Lecture Theatre, Iziko South African Museum. This dialogue includes the screening of the film ‘Breathe again’ – the story of unsung sporting hero, Derek Orderson. The discussion aims to realistically reflect on the challenges faced by sport in South Africa today and the hope to inspire the future.
Guided Tours and Walkabouts:
Join the curator on a walkabout of Fired, an exhibition of ceramics from the Iziko Social History Collections, at the Castle of Good Hope. Also, explore the collection of coins and medals at the numismatics ‘show ‘n tell’ or join the curator for a walkabout of the exhibition Siliva Zulu at the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum.
Depart from the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and experience the vibrancy of the area on a walking tour. Discover the history and stories of our port city at the Iziko Maritime Centre, located at the V&A Waterfront. Explore the Michaelis Collection, Cape Town’s collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, at the Iziko Old Town House, or visit the Iziko South African National Gallery to see exhibitions such as Dialogues: conversations between the old and new, Rendez-vous 12 and Uncontained: opening the Community Art Project Archive.
Heritage Day Sunset Concert:
Purchase a cheese and biscuit hamper from the SA Museum Shop and Café or snacks from the food stalls and conclude Heritage Day with family on the lawns of the Company’s Garden. Join master of ceremonies, Cape Town comedian, Wayne Mckay and experience the enchanting sounds of the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, poetry in motion with Toni Stuart, and the jazzy latin vibes of Hassan ’Adas and Friends.
Other events in and around the Company’s Garden:
A diverse range of events will be hosted in various locations in and around the Company’s Garden. Poetry, book launches, street art and indigenous games provide fun and entertainment for all. in_herit the city and experience our cultural heritage. The panel discussion, in_herit: the relevance of heritage in South Africa will be hosted at the T H Barry Lecture Theatre Saturday, 23 September at 14:00.
Iziko is an isiXhosa word, meaning ‘hearth’, traditionally and symbolically the social centre of the home; a place associated with warmth, kinship and ancestral spirits. Our museums each have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections, reflective of our diverse African heritage. The different museums that make up Iziko are spaces for cultural interaction where knowledge is shared, stories told and experiences enjoyed.
For a detailed programme of events, log onto www.iziko.org.za. For booking and enquiries contact Pamela Court on 021 481 3804/13 or email pcourt@iziko.org.za.
