Artists invited to pitch for new MyCiTi station

Cities around the world understand the value of creativity in public spaces, from the London Underground to New York’s Subway - and Cape Town is no different.

As part of the Phase 2A rollout of the MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit system, the City of Cape Town has opened a call for artists and creative practitioners to submit concept proposals for new public artworks at the planned Claremont MyCiTi bus station - the first station to be built in this next phase of services.

If you’ve used MyCiTi before, you’ll know the brief. From Atlantis to the CBD, artworks integrated into stations have become part of the journey, and not just decorative, but quietly transformative. With Phase 2A, the City is doubling down on that approach, using a curated public process to commission works that would elevate shared space, encourage social connection and reflect Cape Town’s layered identities. 

Why Claremont?

The station will operate as a high-volume interchange, linking Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with Wynberg and Claremont via rapid, scheduled services. In short, the station will see high foot traffic, with strong visibility and serious creative potential.

Artists are invited to respond to a range of architectural elements, including a large concrete wall, a sweeping curved glass façade, the foyer entrance wall, platform-adjacent walls and potential sculptural features. 

A site rich in inspiration

Claremont offers fertile creative ground, as outlined by the City. Proposals may draw inspiration from the vibrant cultural life of Lower Claremont before forced removals, the area’s evolution as a historic transit route, the heritage trees of Arderne Gardens, the scientific legacy of Sir John and Lady Herschel, or the area’s location within the endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos ecosystem.

Also see: Cape Town backs its next wave of artists

Proposal submission and evaluation

Submissions are open until 27 March 2026. Artworks will be commissioned through a public open competition, as determined by the city and will be overseen by a professional curatorial team in consultation with the City’s Arts and Culture Branch, Urban Planning and Design, and Urban Mobility departments.

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Artistic and cultural merit
• Contextual relevance and public accessibility
• Feasibility and likelihood of successful delivery

Artists must outline the concept’s main idea, visual approach and how the artwork will function within a MyCiTi station environment.  No technical drawings are required, but links to previous work may be included. The call is open to South African residents and artist collectives.   

When embedded in public transport spaces, art can transform everyday commutes with creative touchpoints for reflection, connection, and shared experience. Think you have what it takes? Submit a proposal. 

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