KNYSNA NEWS - The Western Cape Arts Festivals (WCAF), powered by the Ariva Arts Foundation, in partnership with Knysna Municipality, has announced the launch of the African Indigenous Renaissance (Air) Project 2026.
The programme is made possible through the support of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) Cycle 6.
The Air Project 2026 is a training and development initiative aimed at helping artists from the greater Knysna region transform their skills into sustainable, income-generating enterprises grounded in cultural heritage and innovation.
Participants receive hands-on, immersive training through engaging with indigenous musicians, traditional instrument makers, master crafters and cultural business specialists.
At its core, the Air Project focuses on cultural entrepreneurship. Participants receive practical training in indigenous instrument crafting and performance, artisanal production, business management, event co-ordination and marketing. By the end of the programme, artists have refined their creative expertise and achieved the commercial insight needed to thrive within the cultural and tourism economy.
"The Air Project is where heritage becomes opportunity," says Yusuf Ganief, CEO of the Western Cape Arts Festivals and founder of the project. "This initiative goes beyond artistic development. It equips creatives to become entrepreneurs who can build sustainable livelihoods while preserving and celebrating indigenous knowledge."
Knysna Mayor Thando Matika welcomed the programme, noting its alignment with the municipality's development priorities.
"The Air Project supports local economic development, social inclusion and cultural tourism. It creates meaningful opportunities for artists from rural and underserved communities while showcasing the rich indigenous heritage of our region," he said.
Auditions for the Air Project 2026 took place at the Hornlee Civic Centre on 9 December 2025. Artists from across Knysna presented their work to a panel of five independent judges, who evaluated candidates based on artistic skill, cultural relevance, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial potential. After a competitive selection process, 13 artists were chosen to participate in the intensive two-month training programme, scheduled for February and March.
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