T a k i n g  a r t i s t s  f u r t h e r .

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Artists around the world are continuously creating art, often without holding a formal qualification, such as a university degree in art. While a formal qualification is typically the preferred route, many artists lack the opportunity to study art due to financial constraints or living in remote areas far from educational institutions. Art production involves not only creative skills but also marketing acumen. To thrive as an artist, one must adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. Consequently, even some formally trained artists struggle to become successful professionals because they haven't acquired the necessary entrepreneurial skills.

 

Who we are

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The CAP Institute collective currently comprises nearly 100 artists from across South Africa. Founded in 2015 by Prof. Elfriede Dreyer—a South African academic, mentor, curator, and professional artist—the organisation aims to address a gap in the art education market. Elfriede brings over 30 years of experience as an art professor, along with a decade of running a successful contemporary gallery, curating exhibitions both nationally and internationally, and maintaining her own professional art practice (www.elfriededreyer.com). CAP's course design and methodology reflect this extensive expertise, offering quality art tuition to those unable to afford formal tertiary education, those seeking specific knowledge or skills without pursuing a full qualification, and artists looking to optimize their talent, skills, and access to exhibition venues and the art market.

 

What we do

 

The CAP Institute provides physical workshops, online short courses in Art Practice, Art Theory, and Professional Practice, as well as an online certificate program and Zoom consultations with Elfriede. The tuition program is designed for those looking to enhance their practical art-making skills, expand their theoretical and art historical knowledge, and develop professional marketing abilities. These workshops and online courses cater to established, exhibiting artists seeking to rejuvenate and update their skills, as well as fostering critical and creative thinking. Artists of all levels are welcome, from beginners to postgraduates.

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Workshops

Physical workshops in Cape Town (Durbanville, Klapmuts, Simons Town, West Coast), the Garden Route (George), Eastern Cape (Jeffrey's Bay), Mpumalanga (White River), Pretoria and Midrand (Kyalami).

 

The CAP programme in contemporary art practice entails a specialist model of workshops and visual presentations. Specific objectives are:

• to improve technical competence;

• to gain theoretical and technical knowledge and insight;

• to develop critical reflection ability and resourcing methodologies; and

• to understand idea development processes.

 

CAP workshops typically include a diverse mix of self-taught artists and professionals with postgraduate degrees. These academically rigorous workshops adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating theory, history, and practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding contemporary art practices, along with developing conceptual and critical thinking skills. The workshops feature theoretical discussions, concept development, creative and critical thinking exercises, training in digital and technical skills, and critical assessment. Both the workshops and online short courses are unique, following a model of intertextuality and intermediality. Each participant receives individual attention and benefits from observing and discussing the work of others. Read more 

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Online Education in Art 

More than 50 students are currently enrolled for the CAP Online  Short Course in Art Practice Basic; Art Practice Advanced; Applied Art History; Professional Art Practice; or the Certificate Programme.  Read more

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Professional Art Consultation

Book a professional consultation on your art practice and ideas with Elfriede Dreyer. 

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