First Nations

PACE has a longstanding commitment to support First Nations heritage and acknowledgement. We collaborate with and showcase work by, First Nation artists such as the Khoi-San indigenous peoples of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. PACE facilitated international links with Indigenous arts professionals from around the world for the Vrystaat Arts Festival’s First Nation Lab, and from its inaugural Showcase in 2018, has followed the Khoi-San protocol, recognising the First Nations people and traditional owners of the land the Showcase is held on – the Griqua and Koranna. The #PACE2023 Showcase was opened by showcases from Khoi-San First Nation artists from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. A recurring and central part of the PACE Showcase program is a First Nations Welcome & Land Acknowledgement at the start of the Showcase and a First Nations Ceremony that takes place at the Mooi-Meissies Fountain (UFS Campus) on the final night of the showcase.

PACE recognises the Khoi and San peoples as integral to South Africa’s cultural and historical landscape. By centering Indigenous narratives, PACE contributes to global decolonisation efforts and affirms the self-determination of historically marginalised communities. This aligns with international movements such as Black Lives Matter and the Maroons of Suriname, both of which highlight the resilience and cultural agency of African and indigenous diasporas. The engagement with First Nation artists strengthens the historical ties between the continent and the diaspora, fostering cultural exchanges that acknowledge shared colonial legacies while promoting contemporary indigenous artistic expression.

Furthermore, the indigenous’ commitment to life-centred approaches linked to climate justice and sustainability highlights the ecological wisdom embedded in Khoi and San and other indigenous traditions. These perspectives are crucial in shaping sustainable artistic practices and fostering solidarity between African and global indigenous communities. By deepening collaborations within this historical and cultural framework, PACE ensures that indigenous voices are not only heard but actively shape contemporary African arts, reinforcing a decolonised, equitable, and globally connected artistic landscape.