Nieu Bethesda Art Centre

About Nieu Bethesda Art Centre

The tiny Eastern Cape town of Nieu Bethesda is a tranquil retreat from the busy city vibe. In fact, it represents everything that is peaceful, arty and a little eccentric about this part of South Africa. The town is known mainly for being the home of the mysterious Owl House, which is an artistic representation of a beautifully complex mind.

The Nieu Bethesda Art Centre celebrates local art by showcasing the work of 20 different artists. These men and women work on different media, ranging from glass and ceramics to prints and tapestries. This group of artists share a /Xam descent (a group of traditional KhoiSan people). KhoiSan mythology is a major theme of the pieces here, and art is used to explore this fascinating part of African history and culture.

Visitors are able to watch the artists at work, gaining insights into their context and vision. The art is also available for sale from the Nieu Bethesda Art Centre, assuring guests of a really special keepsake and reminder of their time in the Eastern Cape. The artists are friendly and hospitable, enjoying every moment of interacting with visitors and highlighting their work and inspiration. A holistic approach to creativity is adopted here, and is effective in tackling social issues like poverty and abuse through visual and performance arts.

The artists are given the opportunity to be involved with the financial and administrative sides of running the Art Centre, so that their participation, input and rewards are multifaceted. Thus, the individuals and communities in and around the town of Nieu Bethesda are benefitted in a broader way than simply providing a tourist attraction.

The Nieu Bethesda Art Centre also has an open air theatre in which performance art can be enjoyed, as well as a restaurant for refreshments and tasty snacks.