Launched during Heritage month, this new platform offers people around the world the opportunity to go online and enjoy viewing the rich panoply of artworks and precious heritage items that make up the City’s art collection. Art, which is often seen as the preserve of a privileged few, should be accessible to everybody, and this innovative tool will allow it to be just that.
The City’s Community Arts and Culture Development Department, in partnership with the Information Systems and Technology Department, has developed the Vault to curate a database of items which can then be viewed by the public. There will be a high-quality image of each piece, and any description or/and story relevant to its history and value.
Said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, “The digital vault is an incredible resource, whether you are a student, a school learner, an academic researcher, an art lover or just a regular Capetonian curious about the rich history and stories of our city as expressed through art and collected items. As far as we know, this is the first such public-facing digital catalogue of art and heritage assets in South Africa, and we are very excited for people to start using it.”