Arts Ability Festival 2026: Beyond Labels, a New Generation of artists Is redefining the language of dance
International artists from South Africa, Namibia and Uganda come together in Cape Town for a three-day celebration of inclusive artistic excellence.
By CityLife Arts Writer
Main Pic: Sasha Fourie and Nadine Mckenzie
The countdown to ArtsAbility Festival 2026 officially begins with its launch event on 30 September 2026 at 18:30 at Youngblood Art Gallery in Cape Town, offering a first glimpse into the artists, vision and creative conversations that will shape the festival.
What happens when artists challenge not only the boundaries of dance, but the very way society defines ability? This November, the ArtsAbility Festival 2026 invites audiences to experience an exciting convergence of movement, creativity and artistic expression that places talent, innovation and excellence centre stage.
Presented by Unmute Dance Theatre, the three-day inclusive arts festival takes place from 26 – 28 November 2026 at Youngblood Africa Art Gallery and selected venues across Cape Town, bringing together local and international artists with and without disabilities in a dynamic programme of dance, visual arts, performance and creative exchange.
Under the banner Celebrating Creative Excellence Beyond Labels 2026 Festival Focus; Celebrating the voices, talent and creative contributions of women artists.
ArtsAbility is more than an arts festival. It is a professional platform challenging conventional perceptions of disability in the creative industries, while demonstrating the value of diversity in shaping contemporary artistic practice and the creative economy.
At a time when artists with disabilities continue to face barriers to visibility, professional opportunities and participation, ArtsAbility shifts the narrative from limitation to possibility, recognising artists not through the lens of disability, but through their craft, originality and contribution to the arts.
The festival brings together an exciting mix of established and emerging talent, including international artists from across the African continent.
Among them is Ethan Philander, a Namibian contemporary dancer and 2025 Best Newcomer award recipient, alongside fellow Namibian dancer Olivia Hendjala, whose emerging artistic journey is already making its mark. Ugandan multidisciplinary performer and choreographer Joseph Tebandeke brings a distinctive practice that challenges conventional ideas of ability through movement and visual art.
South African talent includes Jabu Siphika, acclaimed dancer and choreographer from Durban’s FLATFOOT Dance Company; Cape Town-based choreographer and performer Jamie Lee Jansen; professional dancer Mthokozisi Mkhwanazi (Durban), whose career spans leading South African dance companies; and emerging performer Thimna Ndwe. Unmute trainee, Jesse Jacobs brings contemporary, modern, hip hop, ballet, and jazz flavour to the festival and Johannesburg-based choreographer and ballroom and Latin dance specialist Roseline Wilkens adds further artistic depth.
The visual arts offering features Andile Bhala, whose powerful documentary photography explores identity and contemporary African life, and Tony Luza, a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, graphic design and music.
Robyn Pretorius together with these artists will offer audiences a glimpse into the rich diversity of creative voices, perspectives and movement practices that will shape this year’s festival.
For Unmute Dance Theatre, ArtsAbility is about fundamentally shifting how inclusive arts are understood and experienced.
Nadine McKenzie, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Unmute Dance Theatre, says:
“Founded in 2014 by Unmute, the ArtsAbility Festival was born from our own experiences as artists navigating spaces where accessibility and inclusion were often an afterthought. Our vision has always been to create a platform where artists with and without disabilities can create, lead and be recognised for their artistry.
“This year, we place women at the centre of the conversation, creating space for women to speak, create, lead, challenge and shape the narrative. As women of colour working in the arts, we understand the importance of visibility and representation, particularly in spaces where decisions are made.
“ArtsAbility is about more than celebrating artistic excellence. It is about challenging barriers, shifting perceptions and creating meaningful opportunities forinclusion. We invite audiences to join us in experiencing the power of art to inspire change.”
Sasha Fourie, Head of Training and Education at Unmute Dance Theatre and ArtsAbility Festival Coordinator, adds:
“ArtsAbility creates space for inclusion to be looked at through many creative facets. ArtsAbility maintains focus on creating access for the disabled community and this year we create more space for female leadership, something that is seriously lacking in the South African arts sector. What makes this festival is the exchange of ideas and practices across differences and disciplines. We are bringing together amazing talent and this is only a peek of what audiences can expect in November“
With its vision to become Africa’s leading inclusive arts festival, ArtsAbility 2026 aims to contribute to a more accessible, representative and economically inclusive creative sector,
one where artists with disabilities are recognised as professionals, innovators and contributors to the cultural landscape.
The festival will feature a programme of performances, visual arts, film, dialogue and creative engagement, booking details with further programme announcements to follow.
ArtsAbility Festival 2026
Dates: 26–28 November 2026
Venue: Youngblood Africa Art Gallery and selected venues across Cape Town
Presented by: Unmute Dance Theatre