This year, the V&A Waterfront’s festive decoration installations are built on its core principles of sustainability, supporting local design and making a positive economic impact. Themed: Joy from Africa to the World, over 130 local designers, crafters, makers and artisans have used recycled and upcycled materials to transform the V&A Waterfront into a wonderland that tells an African festive story of peace and kindness. The display showcases local talent while demonstrating just what’s possible with ‘waste’. Alongside the installations, there’ll be myriad free activities throughout the holidays, bringing #JoyAtVandA to merrymakers, young and old. Tinyiko Mageza, Executive Manager of Marketing at the V&A, says she hopes people feel a sense of pride and awe, “From installations made of beautiful weaved baskets to recycled metal welded into golden birds of peace and second-hand baubles papier-mâchéd using paper from our Waste Recovery Plant, I hope we have captured and brought to life a festive showcase that is both magical and meaningful. The aim is to put African creativity and craftsmanship in the spotlight and to tell a positive, authentic narrative about the people of this continent while demonstrating the amazing things you can do with recycled material.” As a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood in the City of Cape Town, the V&A wants to create and curate a space that looks after the interests of the people who live and visit there, and the environment. Here’s what you can expect in your friendly V&A hood this festive. Immerse yourself in the magic, and make sure these fixtures are firmly diarised. They’re all free!
