Cultural Affairs Awards

The Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards are hosted annually by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) to recognise and celebrate the cultural, linguistic and heritage excellence in the province. The occasion is a vital opportunity to proudly showcase the diversity of the province’s cultural landscape. 

Since 1999 these prestigious awards have acknowledged many individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in the Western Cape. 

The annual ceremony is a highlight on the Western Cape Government calendar and gives the people of the province a sense of pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage. The Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards is a true reflection of the values of our vibrant democracy, in which the cultural and linguistic rights of all people are recognised. 

Categories

• Creative Excellence Awards
• Language, Literacy and Knowledge Awards
• Heritage, Memory and Identity Awards
• Community Access and Cultural Participation Awards
• Social Inclusion and Cultural Impact Awards
• Future Culture and Legacy Awards

Information on categories and nomination criteria may be found here.

The 2026 Awards ceremony was hosted on 9 September 2026.

Information about the 2026 nominees can be found in the booklet and the full list of winners can be seen here. 

The 2025 Awards ceremony was hosted on 7 October 2025. 

You can read more about the 2025 nominees in the Booklet. The full list of winners from the 2025 ceremony can be seen here. 

More information about the previous ceremonies is available here.

2023 Cultural Affairs Awards

The 2023 Cultural Affairs Awards took place at the Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 26 September.

The event booklet and full list of winners can be viewed by clicking on the following links: Booklet | Winners.

The categories and criteria can also be viewed in your language of choice: English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa.