The Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain in South Africa will host its first-ever art exhibition on May 30, featuring two local Portland artists: Elton Arendse (Eltie Arts) and Noeraan Jordan Bardien (NJB Art and Design CPT). The show, titled 'Portland’s Own — Eltie Arts & NJB Art and Design CPT,' runs until June 30, with works available for purchase. The exhibition marks the first time the centre has dedicated its gallery entirely to artists from the Portland community, aiming to provide visibility for local creative talent.
This exhibition matters because it addresses a historical lack of exhibition spaces in Mitchells Plain, a community with a rich but often unrecognized artistic heritage—including the internationally known street artist Falko One and the Mitchells Plain Art Group. By launching a visual art program, the Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain positions itself as a cultural stage for overlooked artists, reinforcing the idea that creative expression is a vital language for all communities. The event also highlights the centre's role as a French cultural institution operating in one of South Africa's most historically overlooked areas.