The Plettenberg Bay Arts Association (PAA) will present two distinct exhibition experiences at the Plett ARTS Festival 2026, taking place from 25 September to 4 October, bringing together curated South African art, local creativity, workshops and live demonstrations across two Plett venues.
The White House Collection and Community Canvas will each offer a distinctive way to experience art during the festival – one presenting a carefully curated collection of selected artists in a gallery-style environment, and the other bringing together artists, makers, workshops, demonstrations and creative businesses in an open and inclusive community space.
The White House Collection
Hosted at The White House Theatre, The White House Collection will showcase a curated selection of artists chosen by an independent panel comprising art advisor and curator Barbara Lenhard, fine artist and art teacher Elize Bezuidenhout, and established South African artist Dallas Smith.
Applications for The White House Collection have now closed, with portfolios from 54 artists currently being considered by the panel.
The exhibition aims to create a refined space in which visitors can discover and purchase high-quality, collectable South African art, while giving participating artists an opportunity to present their work to residents, visitors and art buyers from Plettenberg Bay and further afield.
Community Canvas
At the Plett Community Hall, Community Canvas will offer a completely different experience.
Open, inclusive and lively, Community Canvas has been designed as a space where artists at all stages of their creative journeys can exhibit alongside makers, art suppliers and creative businesses.
Visitors can expect much more than artworks on walls. The programme will include workshops and live demonstrations, creating opportunities to watch artists at work, learn something new and engage directly with Plett’s creative community.
Artists can choose from different display options, including smaller spaces for a few easels or a small table, standard display spaces and provision for larger wall-hung works or sculptures, subject to availability.
Bookings for Community Canvas close on 6 September 2026.
Artists, makers, creative businesses, art suppliers, workshop facilitators and demonstrators interested in participating are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
“Our two exhibitions have deliberately been created to offer very different experiences,” says Madeline Hoban, Community Liaison Board Member of the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association.
“The White House Collection gives us an opportunity to present a curated body of work in a beautiful setting, while Community Canvas is about opening the doors as widely as possible and creating a lively space where artists and the public can connect. Together, they really demonstrate the wonderful diversity of our creative community.”
With the wider Plett arts community coming together around this year’s festival, PAA is looking forward to playing its part and, most importantly, creating meaningful opportunities for artists to show and sell their work.
The Plettenberg Bay Arts Association will announce participating artists, workshops, demonstrations and further exhibition programme information in the lead-up to the festival.
Plett ARTS Festival 2026
Dates: 25 September – 4 October 2026
The White House Collection: The White House Theatre, Plettenberg Bay
Community Canvas: Plett Community Hall, Plettenberg Bay
For any further information, visit www.plettart.co.za or follow the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association on Instagram and Facebook for announcements about participating artists, workshops, exhibition news, and updates.
