Arts capital of South Africa Project

Investment opportunities exist in establishing infrastructure in support of establishing Oudtshoorn as the Arts capital of South Africa. The excellent location of Oudtshoorn as the ‘heart of the Karoo’ makes it possible to present theatre and art festivals, attracting local and international tourists and visitors. Oudtshoorn has, since 1994, been host to the nationally famous Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), an arts festival held in March/April annually. A total of 411 temporary job opportunities were created directly by the ABSA KKNK, of which 76% were filled by black employees. The total economic impact of the ABSA KKNK is estimated at about R110 million. Investment opportunities include the development of an arts and culture route (a ‘golden mile’ as a tourist attraction with pathways, tourism activities, street-front shops, architecture, craft markets focusing on local artists), a large-size hotel to accommodate local and even international visitors and the establishment of a Heritage Architecture and Historical buildings route (including bicycle path-ways and information boards).