The GoWest Cultural Fest is back and will take place this Saturday 26 September 2026 at Coronation Park in Mogale City, West Rand. The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng supports the fest as it represents the richness and diversity of Gauteng’s cultural landscape and serves as a crucial platform to showcase what the province has to offer.
Speaking ahead of the fest, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile extended his warmest wishes to the organisers, all artists, performers, exhibitors, entrepreneurs, visitors and revellers attending the GoWest Cultural Festival.
“It is through programmes such as the GoWest Fest that we can showcase the immense talent that exists within our communities while creating spaces where people can come together, express themselves and experience the arts and culture that define our province. This is a good initiative that is worthy of our support as government”, said MEC Maile.
“We recognise that arts and culture are not only important for preserving our heritage; they are also an important part of our province’s social and economic development. It is for this reason that we continue to support cultural programmes and initiatives that create opportunities for artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, the youth and communities in general”, added the MEC.
“These major events create tangible opportunities for organisers, artists, sound and lighting technicians, stage crews, photographers, videographers, designers, fashion entrepreneurs, food vendors, crafters, transport operators, accommodation providers and a whole range of other small businesses. In addition, they create further opportunities for emerging artists and entrepreneurs to reach new audiences, market their work, establish networks and develop sustainable livelihoods”, emphasised the MEC.
MEC Maile added that the creative economy offers opportunities particularly for the youth to turn talent and creativity into sustainable livelihoods and that the performing arts, music, visual arts, fashion, film, publishing, crafts and digital content are among the areas in which young creatives can participate and grow. He further highlighted that by supporting platforms that bring these sectors together, government is contributing to an ecosystem in which creativity can become a key source of employment, enterprise development and active economic participation.
“As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are delighted once more to support initiatives such as GoWest as they go a long way in promoting social cohesion, bring cultural expression closer to communities and give established and emerging talent an opportunity to showcase their work”.
MEC Maile has urged those attending the GoWest Cultural Fest to enjoy responsibly, and to take care and protect each other and ensure that women who attend the festival are safe.
