Changing the art at UCT Libraries

The Chancellor Oppenheimer Library is the heartbeat of the University of Cape Town (UCT). Now, this central space for learning and research is set to transform its existing art display with a new installation of inspiring and thought-provoking works. The UCT Main Library is getting a bold new look as all current artworks are being removed and replaced with fresh paintings, photographs and sculptures.

This overhaul reflects the University's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and contemporary relevance. The new installation will not only be visually compelling, but will also showcase artists from our local community and the African continent. It aims to represent the diverse constituencies who work and study in the library and to engage meaningfully with current conversations and debates.

The project is being led by the UCT Works of Art Committee (WOAC), which curates UCT's art collection, in collaboration with the Library Transformation Committee (LTC). However, these committees are not working in isolation: the process is open and participatory. WOAC and the LTC invite UCT students, staff and community members to help shape the future of the library's artistic environment.

A public workshop was held on 17 September at Hlanganani Junction in UCT's Main Library, where attendees can help envision what this space could become. Further opportunities for feedback will be available in the library, online via Instagram @uct_woac or by email at woac@uct.ac.za.

Under the guidance of UCT Libraries Executive Director Ujala Satgoor, WOAC and the LTC envision a new look for the Main Library that is dynamic, inclusive, and reflective of the intellectual and creative energy on campus and in society at large. This installation offers a chance for a much-loved and widely used space to evolve into a site of transformation, dialogue and imagination – something all visitors and stakeholders can be proud of.

As Ujala Satgoor explains:

"This new installation aims to inspire students and staff, making the library a space where education and creativity intersect, and a reflection of the dynamic identity of the UCT community. This transformation goes beyond aesthetics – it's about creating a space that acknowledges and amplifies the diverse voices and ideas that shape our University every day."

This initiative is not just an aesthetic upgrade – it aligns with UCT's broader Vision 2030. Guided by the University's mission to "unleash human potential to create a fair and just society," the project embodies the inclusive, forward-thinking leadership that defines UCT. It ensures that the library remains a space that nurtures creativity, dialogue and reflection for all.