A new denim exhibition is coming to Cape Town.
Image: Supplied
Cavendish Square will showcase original artworks created by high school learners and female entrepreneurs using pre-loved denim collected through its Denim for Good initiative. The exhibition runs from 22 September to 4 October 2026 on the Ground Floor of Cavendish Square. Entry is free.
From donated denim to creative expression
Launched in July, the Denim for Good campaign invited shoppers to donate gently worn denim that could be repurposed rather than discarded. The donated clothing was then given to learners at the Peter Clarke Art Centre, where it became the starting point for exploring sustainability, upcycling and creative expression.
The exhibition will feature work by 13 high school learners who attend art classes at the Peter Clarke Art Centre, alongside creations by female entrepreneurs from the Amy Foundation. For some of the young artists, it will be their first opportunity to exhibit their work publicly on this scale.
The participating learners come from schools across Cape Town, including South Peninsula High School, Norman Henshilwood High School, Pinelands High School, Star College Cape Town, Wynberg High School and Zonnebloem Nest Senior School.
Other participating schools are Isilimela High School, Groote Schuur High School, Maitland High School, Vista Nova High School, Oakley House High School, Zwaanswyk High School and Wynberg Girls’ High School.
Supporting art education and skills development
Image: Supplied
The Peter Clarke Art Centre has provided visual art and design education since 1943. It works with learners and educators from schools and communities throughout greater Cape Town.
Ras Silas Motse, Educator and Marketing Lead at the centre, says the exhibition gives young artists an opportunity to have their work seen and celebrated.
“I’m incredibly excited to see our learners’ work come to life and to have them exhibit at Cavendish Square, with some experiencing a public exhibition of this scale for the very first time,” says Motse.
He adds that the project has allowed learners to explore sustainability through creativity while reimagining the possibilities of denim.
The initiative also extends beyond the exhibition. Remaining donated denim will be used as part of the Amy Foundation’s Youth Skills Development Programme, which provides unemployed young people with practical vocational, life and workplace skills to help prepare them for employment, further study or entrepreneurship.
Exhibition details
For every gently worn denim item donated during the campaign, Cavendish Square will also make an in-kind contribution to the Amy Foundation.
The exhibition is open to the public and offers visitors an opportunity to view the creations while learning more about the Peter Clarke Art Centre and the Amy Foundation’s Youth Skills Development Programme.
What: Denim for Good exhibition
Where: Ground Floor, Cavendish Square, Cape Town
When: 22 September to 4 October 2026
Cost: Free entry
For more information about Cavendish Square’s stores and promotions, visit www.cavendish.co.za or follow Cavendish Square on Instagram.
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