Our Give Back Project
The Give Back Project was established in 2019 as a way for Open Studios Kommetjie artists to connect with the communities around us beyond the limits of the annual event.
Each year, funds raised by participating artists are used to support a local charitable organisation and an artist-led public art project.
HopeTown, Ocean View – “Life with Passion & Purpose”
In 2025, the proceeds from our Give Back Project once again supported the NPO HopeTown in Ocean View, alongside a local artist-led community project.
HopeTown’s work is invaluable to our area. Through education, skills training, and mentoring, they create opportunities for holistic development that both uplift individuals and strengthen the community. At Imhoff Farm, visitors can explore HopeTown’s shop and workshops, meet the team, and see their inspiring work firsthand.
At the bus stop just outside the farm entrance, visitors can view the creative community project funded by our Give Back Project in 2025. Led by local mosaic artist Reagan Rubain, this project brought skill-sharing, community employment, and public space upliftment into focus. Local residents participated in the project, learning mosaic techniques while contributing to a new permanent artwork in their neighbourhood.
You’ll find it on the 2025 event map under Public Art.
HopeTown is an NPO in Ocean View that is creating opportunities for young people through education, skills training, and mentoring.
Given the significant levels of youth unemployment in the area, HopeTown has developed programmes that support participants as they build the necessary practical skills, experience, and confidence to take the next steps towards their future.
“We want to see them grow in social skills, work ethics, character, teamwork, and self-confidence, and help them become job-ready,” says HopeTown co-founder and CEO Doris Lindsay.
Regarding the support from the Open Studios Kommetjie community, Doris says:
“We are especially touched that a community of artists has chosen to stand alongside our community in this way. There is something very beautiful about creativity being used not only to create beautiful things, but also to create hope, opportunity, and lasting change for others.”
Visit HopeTown’s shop and workshops at Imhoff Farm to meet the team and learn more about the organisation’s work.
Open Studios Kommetjie is actively committed to giving back to our community and working towards building a culture in which creativity is celebrated and accessible to all.
