People preserving local heritage, promoting indigenous languages, supporting literacy or enriching communities through the arts are being encouraged to step into the spotlight as nominations open for the Western Cape Cultural Awards.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has called on members of the public to nominate individuals or groups in the province who have made a real impact in the award categories between June 1 last year and May 31 this year.

The awards recognise achievement across six categories: Creative Excellence Awards; Language, Literacy and Knowledge Awards; Heritage, Memory and Identity Awards; Community Access and Cultural Participation Awards; Social Inclusion and Cultural Impact Awards; and Future Culture and Legacy Awards.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said: "We want to celebrate and honour those who are not only making a meaningful impact in cultural spaces, but also contributing to the growth of our local economy through their work in these sectors."

Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport opens nominations for 2026 Cultural Awards | South African Government

Nominations for 2026 Cultural Awards now open! The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has opened nominations for the 2026 Cultural Awards. The department calls on members of the public to nominate individuals or groups in the Western Cape who have made a real impact in the award categories listed below between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026. The award categories are:

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Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the award categories and nomination criteria before submitting their nominations.

Nominations close on July 10. The full award categories and criteria can be viewed here and nominations can be submitted here.

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