IQONGA : RAINBOW ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 11 YEARS OF GIVING LOCAL CREATIVES A STAGE

 

Ayabonga & Olwethu
in studio

For 11 years, the Rainbow Arts Festival has been creating a space for artists and creatives in Cape Town communities to showcase their talents, share their stories and connect with audiences. This year, the festival returns from 24 to 27 of September 2026 at the Black Box Theatre in Delft, bringing together different forms of art and entertainment under one roof. Speaking to BackChat, Ayabonga and Olwethu from Rainbow Arts Organization explained that the Arts Festival was established as an initiative of the organisation, which was founded in 2015. Reaching its 11th year is a significant milestone for the festival, which has become a platform for both emerging and professional artists to showcase their work and share experiences within the arts and culture industry. 

Ayabonga in studio
after the interview

For Ayabonga, one of the reasons the festival has continued for so long is dedication. He highlighted the commitment of the team behind the initiative and the importance of having people who understand the purpose of the festival and are willing to continue working towards it. The festival was created in part to address the lack of cultural spaces within communities where artists can practise and showcase their talents.The importance of these platforms goes beyond simply giving artists somewhere to perform. According to Ayabonga, the festival also creates job opportunities for people taking part, allowing creatives to earn something from their talents while gaining something they can add to their experience and portfolio. The festival has also grown into a recognised initiative within the communities it serves. 

This year's festival will take place at the Black Box Theatre in Delft, a venue Ayabonga described as an important cultural space in the community. He explained that the theatre provides a vibrant place where people of different ages can come together, enjoy themselves and experience the arts. He also described it as a home for artists from the community, some of whom have gone on to perform on television and internationally. There is something for different kinds of audiences at the festival. Theatre lovers can expect live drama and performances, while music lovers will be able to experience African indigenous music. Spoken-word and poetry will also form part of the programme, alongside visual art, including painting, drawing and storytelling through images. 

One of the highlights this year is a day dedicated specifically to children on Saturday, 26 September. Ayabonga explained that children's activities are often limited in communities, particularly in black communities, making it important for the festival to create a space where children can also experience the arts. The children's package costs R100 per child and includes live and interactive performances, access to a jumping castle and a McDonald's meal. The festival is also looking beyond the four days of September. Rainbow Arts Organization runs programmes during the year and works with high schools in the surrounding areas, creating opportunities for learners from Grade 8 through Grade 12 to get involved. 

Ayabonga & Olwethu
@ the front desk

As the festival continues to grow, the organisation is also calling on businesses and potential sponsors to come on board. Ayabonga stressed that putting together an event of this size is not a one-person job and that support from businesses could help the festival grow and potentially reach other areas and, eventually, the rest of the country. The Rainbow Arts Organization can be found on Facebook and TikTok, while festival and organisation enquiries can be directed to Anele at rao.org.za or Zandele at rao.org.za. 

With 11 years behind it, the Rainbow Arts Festival continues to create a stage for local talent while bringing theatre, music, poetry, visual art and children's activities into the community. This year's edition runs from 24 to 27 September at the Black Box Theatre in Delft, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the creativity coming from Cape Town's communities. 

Written By Unathi Ngomana