Started by Hermanus Tourism Bureau on the identified need for a solution that would lift the spirits of the community and attract visitors in support of a much-needed economic stimulus during the quiet winter months, Hermanus FynArts came into existence.

From the first Festival in 2013 it has grown into a vibrant, multi-format festival showcasing the very best in South African arts. From promoting the arts in the visual, performing literary and culinary fields, it also runs activities throughout the year in support of education, training and development programme in the greater Hermanus area.

For its entire existence the festival has been planned, developed and executed under the directorship of Mary Faure and a small team of advisors and volunteers. With the support of sponsors, donors and attendees who come from across the country and beyond, Hermanus FynArts is now an established, annual event on the calendar.

 

Together with the FynArts Gallery which offers a series of rotating exhibitions of the work of prominent South African artists and the Development Fund which promotes the arts through education and skills development via youth focused activities throughout the year, Hermanus FynArts achieves its primary objectives which are to:

 

• Carry out its activities in a non-profit manner with philanthropic intent 

• Present programmes in areas of Music, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Culinary Arts.

• Develop an annual festival to promote, develop and educate a love for the arts in greater Hermanus.

• Develop community-based projects relating to self-help, empowerment, capacity building and skills development

• Develop Hermanus as a destination for the Arts drawing visitors to the area

In 2025 Mary Faure stepped down and Hermanus FynArts welcomed Eon de Vos as her successor.