Art and transformation: UCT’s vision for a just society

The University of Cape Town’s Works of Art Collection (WOAC) committee is advancing its exploration of art’s transformative power to foster inclusive spaces for critical discourse and knowledge creation.

As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, a bold vision for the role of art at UCT is also emerging. The WOAC committee is leading a transformation of the art collection around campus in line with the institution’s Vision 2030 principles: transformation, inclusivity, and forward-thinking. Some of the re-curated UCT buildings include the: Beattie Building, New Lecture Theatre, UCT Graduate School of Business, New Neville Building and most recently, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library.

These initiatives aim to make art a participatory and integral part of the student experience, opening pathways for dialogue on justice, identity, and social issues.