Eastern Cape artists set sights on national stage at Decorex Johannesburg
KUGOMPO CITY- A group of artists from Buffalo City Metro and the OR Tambo District is preparing to showcase the Eastern Cape’s creative talent on one of South Africa’s biggest design and décor platforms, as Art Versatile Africa heads to Decorex Johannesburg later this month.
The Pan-African creative institution, founded by creative director Litha Ncokazi will lead the delegation to the four-day trade exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 30th July to 2nd August 2026, providing Eastern Cape artists with an opportunity to reach national buyers, industry leaders and potential investors.
The exhibition forms part of Art Versatile Africa’s long-term strategy to position Eastern Cape creatives on national platforms while strengthening the province’s creative economy through market access and commercial opportunities.
“Our main aim is to create an active cultural economy by linking production hubs directly to markets so that artists can generate sustainable income from their work,” said Ncokazi.
“There needs to be a clear connection between production and the marketplace if artists are to build successful careers.”
Art Versatile Africa operates at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, with a strong focus on developing artists beyond the studio. The organisation believes creative practitioners deserve recognition and practical support to grow sustainable careers.
Among its flagship initiatives is a six-month training programme that equips aspiring artists with technical skills while preparing them for the commercial realities of the creative industry.
Although the concept for Art Versatile Africa was first developed by Ncokazi in 2006, limited funding and resources slowed its progress. The Decorex opportunity now represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s growth and national visibility.
Artists selected for the exhibition were chosen based on their active participation in the creative sector and their consistent production of quality work.
“We wanted artists who are committed to their practice and who have demonstrated consistency in producing work,” Ncokazi said.
Furthmore, visitors to the Eastern Cape exhibition stand can expect a diverse collection of locally produced sculptures, ceramics, oil paintings, handmade furniture and limited-edition prints, showcasing the province’s artistic diversity and craftsmanship.
Beyond exhibiting artwork, the delegation hopes to establish partnerships with galleries, creative institutions, designers and buyers from across South Africa.
In addition Ncokazi said extensive planning had gone into preparing the project.
“It has been an intensive process involving project management, administration and stakeholder engagement, but we remain committed to delivering the best possible outcome for our artists.”
The organisation is also expanding its digital footprint through various social media platforms to increase the visibility of Eastern Cape artists and strengthen connections with wider audiences.
For Art Versatile Africa, the journey to Johannesburg represents far more than participation in a national exhibition. It is an opportunity to showcase the province’s creative excellence, build valuable industry networks and create sustainable economic opportunities for artists whose work continues to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Cape.
As the delegation prepares to leave for Sandton, organisers hope the exhibition will serve as a catalyst for greater recognition of Eastern Cape talent and demonstrate the province’s growing contribution to South Africa’s creative economy.
By: Okuhle Nqana
22 July 2026
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