Heritage, Arts, Fashion and Culture at the Heart of North-West Tourism

Arts Meet Fashion-Mahikeng delivered a powerful celebration of African creativity, successfully transforming Cookes Lake, Mahikeng into a vibrant hub of fashion, art, and cultural expression.

The one-day multidisciplinary event brought together fashion designers, visual artists, performers, models, creatives, small businesses, and cultural stakeholders, highlighting the growing creative economy of the North West Province. Attendees experienced a carefully curated program that blended fashion runway showcases, art exhibitions, music, food and lifestyle experiences, and creative networking opportunities.

At the center of the event was a fashion runway, which featured collections from emerging and established designers, celebrating African aesthetics, innovation, and storytelling through design. The runway was complemented by arts exhibitions, showcasing visual art, crafts, literature, and creative works that reflected both contemporary and traditional influences.

Arts Meet Fashion also provided a platform for local entrepreneurs and vendors, allowing small businesses and creatives to engage directly with audiences, promote their brands, and participate in the broader creative value chain.

According to Mr.  Jonanathan Denga, the current Acting CEO of the North West Park and Tourism Board “Heritage tourism is no longer limited to monuments and museums. Today’s travellers seek immersive experiences that bring history to life. The North West Province, with its liberation history, indigenous knowledge systems, royal heritage and mining legacy, has the foundation to develop compelling heritage routes and storytelling experiences. Therefore events such as Arts Meet Fashion are one of the strongest drivers of tourism flows”

Arts meet fashion – Mahikeng was made possible through the support and collaboration of key partners, including the North West Parks & Tourism Board, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports & Recreation, the Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation and Mahikeng FM whose involvement played a critical role in the successful delivery of the program.

“While wildlife and nature-based tourism remain important, the future of competitive destinations lies in offering authentic cultural experiences that connect visitors to people, stories and creativity” said Jonathan Denga.

The province wants to identify and grow signature festivals in different districts, the Tourism Board has encouraged travel beyond major urban centers and distribute tourism income more widely.

“By strategically investing in heritage, fashion, culture and the arts, the North West Tourism Board can position the province as a distinctive, experience-driven destination for both local and international travelers” added Denga.

Through collaboration with communities, creatives, event organizers and the private sector, the North West can position itself not only as a place to visit, but as a place to experience, learn and be inspired.