KEYNOTE ADDRESS: 'Public Art Museums and Their Futures' at the University of Western Cape’s Centre for Humanities Research by Chepape Makgato,
It is an honour to stand before you today at the University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Humanities Research. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Associate Professor Maurits van Bever Donker and his dedicated team for this gracious invitation, as well as to the William Humphreys Art Gallery's director Nelly Mkhize for allowing me to accept it. As the representative of the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG), I stand before you to share reflections on the future of public art museums and the vital role we play in shaping that future. Public arts museums are more than just repositories of art; they are cultural landmarks that foster community, creativity, and connection. They have the power to not only reflect but transform society. In an ever-changing world, where societal values and technologies are in constant flux, we must ask ourselves: What is the future of public art institutions? How do we remain relevant and responsive to the communities we serve? The
