Eastside’s art, cafes & history

From District Six’s forced removals to favourite art spaces and cafes, this tour is paced so that the painful past is balanced with art and food stops.

Our tour is led by me, Kate Crane Briggs, and Tony Hartman. I focus on the art, architecture and new developments. Tony covers District Six’s changes over the centuries, from First Nations to farming, then mass destruction during Apartheid. Tony’s grandfather was from the area and had no choice but to move under Apartheid legislation.

The styles of art vary from figurative murals (eg Nelson Mandela ‘s portrait and Peninsula Maternity Hospital) to conceptual installations, notably at the contemporary art laboratory,  A4 Art Foundation.

The cafes – all independent businesses – are destinations in their own right. The oldest is New York Bagels which started up the road as Milly’s in 1940. We’ll have a quick tasting here and later a brief refresher at Swan Café (a little bit of Paris).

We’ll start at 10am at Charly’s Bakery, with its world famous colourful cakes and premises:

36-38 Canterbury Street (by Harrington Square parking)

District Six, Cape Town, 8001

We stop by a variety of monuments, murals and buildings. Have you spotted the hotel made of hemp bricks? Seen the mosaicists and fine art beaders at the Spier Arts Trust?

For the first time, we visit briefly the Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation. CEO Janet Jobson will chat about the foundation. It is based in the beautifully converted heritage building previously called the Old Granary.

Friday 6 February

10h00 to 12h30

R400 per person paying 10 days in advance ie 27 January, otherwise R500. For payment info and to book:

kate@cultureconnectsa.com

We’ll finish at the Lebanese Bakery, new kid on the block:

7 Constitution Street

District Six, Cape Town, 8001

Do stay on for an optional lunch at the Lebanese Bakery (at your own expense).

Want another date or to have your own tour (great for team building)?

Parking and public transport suggestions are included in the briefing, along with history, including images.