Open Call for Artists: Inaugural Art in the Arboretum Exhibition

Friends of Van Stadens (FOVS) is inviting artists from across the Eastern Cape and beyond to submit their work for the inaugural Art in the Arboretum exhibition, taking place as part of the Van Stadens Flower Festival on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

Set within the beautiful Van Stadens Arboretum, the exhibition will transform the historic nursery building into an indoor gallery while showcasing sculptures and selected artworks throughout the surrounding gardens in a unique open-air sculpture garden.

The exhibition theme, "Under the Trees," encourages artists to explore ideas of community, biodiversity, belonging, heritage, ecology and our relationship with the natural world. Artists working in all forms of physical visual media are encouraged to apply, with sculptural works especially welcome. Please note that digital media and artworks requiring electricity cannot be accommodated.

There is no application fee or exhibition fee, making this an exciting opportunity for emerging and established artists alike to exhibit their work in one of the Eastern Cape's most picturesque natural settings. Artworks may be offered for sale during the exhibition, with a 20% commission on sales supporting the Van Stadens Flower Festival Fund.

Artists wishing to participate are invited to submit the following by 24 August 2026:

• A short artist biography (maximum 150 words)
• An artist statement (maximum 250 words)
• Images of the artworks being submitted
• Artwork details, including title, medium, dimensions, year, selling price and any installation requirements

Submissions should be emailed to art@erinsmith.co.za.

Key Dates

• 24 August 2026: Submission deadline
• 31 August 2026: Successful artists notified
• 7–11 September 2026: Artwork delivery (10:00–15:00)
• 20 September 2026: Exhibition opens during the Van Stadens Flower Festival
• 21–26 September 2026: Collection of unsold artworks

Friends of Van Stadens invites artists to help transform the Arboretum into an inspiring outdoor gallery where creativity, nature and community come together beneath the trees.

"We look forward to seeing the Arboretum through the eyes of the talented artists who will help shape this very first exhibition," said the organisers.

For further information, please contact:

Erin Smith
Email: art@erinsmith.co.za