'FERAL'
NOMADIC BIENNALE PROPOSAL
A nomadic biennale traversing South Africa and the world — celebrating resilience, creativity, and the richness of contemporary installation art, sculpture, and new media.
A BOLD ENDEAVOR FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE
We are thrilled to present a proposal for 'Feral,' a nomadic biennale that will traverse South Africa and the rest of the world, showcasing the richness of contemporary installation art, sculpture, and new media. Inspired by the complexities of survival in contemporary society, 'Feral' represents a bold endeavor to foster cultural exchange, stimulate tourism, and engage with artists and audiences from around the globe.
This inaugural edition of 'Feral' holds particular significance as it coincides with the thirty-year anniversary since the last biennale held in South Africa in 1997, curated by Okwui Enwezor. As we embark on this journey, 'Feral' seeks to build upon the legacy of artistic exploration and innovation, reaffirming South Africa's position as a dynamic hub for creativity and cultural dialogue.
SURVIVAL, RESILIENCE & INNOVATION
The inaugural edition of 'Feral' will center around the theme of survival. This theme encapsulates the myriad challenges and triumphs faced by individuals and communities in today's fast-paced and ever-changing global landscape.
Artists will explore themes of resilience, adaptation, and innovation, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience — examining what it means to endure, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
'MAROLE'
MEANING "DUST" IN SETSWANA — THE MAIN EXHIBITION
The main exhibition will showcase iconic artworks by South African artists who utilize earth and soil as a medium. This exhibition pays homage to the profound connection between humanity and the natural world, Africans and their land.
Inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment, 'Marole' epitomizes the fusion of art and earth — where the very ground beneath us becomes a canvas for cultural memory and ancestral connection.
VOICES FROM AFRICA & THE DIASPORA
'Feral' will enlist the expertise of esteemed curators from Africa and the diaspora to curate satellite exhibitions across participating cities. Their unique perspectives will ensure a diverse and thought-provoking program of exhibitions and events.
WHY SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa's cultural milieu is characterized by its rich diversity, complex history, and ongoing processes of social, political, and economic transformation. As a country on the forefront of change, South Africa provides a fertile ground for artistic expression and exploration, making it an ideal setting for 'Feral' to unfold.
KEY BENEFITS
A PLATFORM FOR MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE ACROSS BORDERS
'Feral' Nomadic Biennale holds immense potential for global impact through its promotion of cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and social engagement. By bringing together artists, curators, and audiences from diverse backgrounds, the biennale serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding across borders. Through its exploration of themes such as survival and resilience, 'Feral' sparks conversations around pressing social issues and inspires future generations of artists and cultural practitioners worldwide.
A FOUR-YEAR ROADMAP
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Four-year cost estimate for the 'Feral' Nomadic Biennale. Year 3 (2026/2027) has been recalculated using current 2026 South African market rates, sourced from the Pnet Job Market Trends Report, Statistics South Africa CPI data (3.5%), and industry benchmarks.
Salary benchmarks: Pnet Job Market Trends Report 2026 (BusinessTech, Feb 2026) — Junior staff R15,000–R20,000/mo; Senior/Middle Manager R30,000–R48,000/mo. Inflation: Statistics South Africa CPI 3.5% (Jan 2026). Salary increase: PayInc average 5.2% (2026). Office rental: The Africanvestor — Johannesburg R130–R220/sqm/month. Connectivity: market rate +5%. PR/Marketing: Digital Marketing Pricing SA (Symaxx, Mar 2026) +9% increase. All figures in South African Rand (ZAR).
A TRANSFORMATIVE
OPPORTUNITY
'Feral' Nomadic Biennale represents a transformative opportunity to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and diversity of South Africa's cultural landscape. By engaging with themes of survival and resilience, 'Feral' aims to inspire dialogue, provoke thought, and foster connections among artists, audiences, and communities.
We are excited to collaborate with the Department of Arts and Culture and other stakeholders to bring this ambitious project to life and invite their support in realizing the full potential of 'Feral' as a catalyst for artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and social impact.