Salt River’s Street Art & History

With over 100 murals, Salt River is the place to be if you like street art. The variety is huge – gigantic, tiny, political, pretty, old and new. This tour is a hit, whatever your age or art taste.

Different parts of this neighbourhood was home to the annual International Public Art Festival for five years 2017-2021 (I am one of their guides). New murals are now being commissioned by businesses, individuals and not-for-profits, notably the Salt River Heritage Society.

The area, so close to town, is full of history and is changing constantly – some feel for better, others for worse. There is a growing concern about families who have lived in the area for generations, no longer being able to afford it.

Apartheid and social justice struggles are almost palpable in Community House, a site of social and worker activism from the mid-1980s.

Salt River was built mainly in the late 1800s. It was Cape Town’s first industrialised area, along with Woodstock next door. Our walk includes both residential and business areas. We stop outside houses, ‘light’ industry, schools, mosques, churches, studios and not-for-profits.

We start at Jane’s Bakery & Cafe in Salt Orchard (previously Loaves by Madam Baker – they still sell bread here):

Unit B3

The Salt Orchard

12 Briar Rd, Salt River

Cape Town, 8000

We finish here too.

10am to noon

Saturday 12 April 2025

A map, parking, images, what to wear/bring and a short history of street art will be sent beforehand

Street parking easy to find (as ever, don’t leave valuables in sight)

R400 per person; R300 early bird paying at least 10 days in advance ie by 2 April 2025

To book, more info: kate@cultureconnectsa.com WhatsApp/phone +27 72 377 8014

I repeat this tour regularly, some weekdays, some Saturdays and in summer in the early evenings at Hope Distillery with a complimentary Gin & Tonic

This works well as a private tour for families, friends and schools