A passionate group of individuals have come together to revive the arts scene in one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations with a vibrant three-day Arts Festival that will include sculpture, painting, dance, music, literature, stand-up comedy, culinary art, a classic car exhibition and tavern tours. Known as The Jewel of the Free State, Clarens is a nature lover’s haven, surrounded by expansi
ve mountain views, attracting activities such as cycling, game driving, trout fishing and birding. Blessed with these idyllic views, it is no wonder Clarens is a home and inspiration to many local artists and art galleries. The village is ideally set to offer an easy-going and creative festival experience, with over 20 restaurants, 600 accommodations, and 50 retail stores, all ready to welcome visitors to an integrative experience. The Square, looked down upon by Mount Horeb, will be converted into a Sculpture Park to form the hub of the festival. Filled with statues, buskers and local ‘slow food’ producers; a grassy oasis where festival-goers can get together to discuss what they have done or seen, what they recommend and plan to do the next day. A ticket booth and info centre will assist them to make their choices. Visitors can peruse the unique boutique shops and soak up the entertainment of choirs, art displays, stand-up comedians, jazz musicians and string quartets which will be hosted at various venues from the bistros to galleries and restaurants. Stationed at Clarens Primary School, just four blocks up from the Square, visitors will find the Festival’s honorary VIP artist, Mbongeni Buthelezi, who will be exhibiting his jaw-dropping plastic artworks. In addition, guests will be enthralled by live demonstrations and workshops hosted by Mbongeni himself, as well as a variety of talented artists and creatives including culinary demonstrations, quilting, fabric printing, ceramics and film and photography exhibitions. On route to Clarens Primary, the NGK and Methodist Churches will host an array of talented Visual Artists. A timely shuttle service will be provided from the Square to Clarens Primary, for those with tired feet. The Clarens Arts Festival is set to take place over the long weekend of 29 April to Monday 2 May 2022. The festival seeks to identify and nurture opportunities within the arts industry and share the immense pool of local talent in the village with locals and visitors alike. A robust attendance is expected with all-inclusive tickets ranging from R360. Come explore and enjoy the inaugural Clarens Arts Festival! By Clarens, for Clarens. Cover photo by our brilliant local photographer, Glen Green:
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The Clarens Arts Festival is a registered NPO 2022/217006/08
Whilst we hope to make the festival an event to look forward to annually, we envision hosting smaller events throughout the year focusing on teaching the children and young adults to master their craft. Once all festival costs have been settled, any funds leftover, be it from ticket sales or donations, will be used to help set up such events or as a donation to the children.
