OLAF returns with a 'Garden of Expression'
Windhoek’s public spaces to come alive with music, dance, and storytelling
Set to take place on 31 October and 1 November 2025, this year's Otjomuise Live Arts Festival embraces the theme "A Garden of Expression", celebrating community, storytelling, and artistic exchange in the heart of the city. The two-day event, which will unfold at Zoo Park and across other public spaces in Windhoek, is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for both audiences and artists to engage in powerful, accessible art experiences.
Each day of the festival presents a distinct atmosphere and artistic focus. Day one, themed “Planting the Seeds,” sets the tone with an eclectic mix of dance, acoustic music, spoken word, and live bands. Featured performers include Elizabeth McLaren, Kula Rodrigues, Zingerwings, Ori, Steven Afrikaner, The Botselo Band, and One Blood.
Day two, titled “Full Bloom,” brings the festival to a crescendo with a focus on collective storytelling and movement. Highlights include a participatory performance circle with NAJAH, performance art by Mavetjiua Haimbodi, a dance piece by Maria Anita, and an interdisciplinary storytelling session from Soul Express. Spoken word artist Frogman K and live sets from Lela, O.U_Slow, and TAPZ will round off the weekend with vibrant, expressive performances.
Dennis Schroeder, director of the Goethe-Institut Namibia, reflected on the origins of OLAF, which began during the Covid-19 lockdown. “We built a public art programme to bridge culture, art, and the city,” he said, noting that the initiative was created as a space for artists to continue practising and sharing their work during a time of isolation. “You see how a neighbourhood and people-to-people relationships can change against the backdrop of live arts.”
Gretta Gaspar, administrator of the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), also praised the OLAF team during the launch. “There’s something special about seeing the streets, parks, and corners of Windhoek transformed by creativity and community,” she said. “OLAF brings art out of closed spaces and into areas where people live, work, and connect. That’s what we strive for - bridging the gap between art and everyday life.”
Gaspar added that OLAF reflects the NACN’s mission to promote, develop, and support the arts by creating an environment where creativity can thrive. “Our mandate is to ensure artists can maintain their practice, and OLAF is an excellent example of that in action,” she noted.
Jointly produced by the Goethe-Institut Namibia and the National Theatre of Namibia, with support from the National Arts Council of Namibia and in partnership with Energy 100, OLAF brings together a wide range of creatives and collectives across artistic disciplines. Since its debut in 2021, the festival has become a pioneering platform for public art in Namibia, continuing to grow in both reach and impact. Whether you are an artist, an art lover, or a passerby, OLAF 2025 promises a celebration of creativity that invites everyone to take part.
Each day of the festival presents a distinct atmosphere and artistic focus. Day one, themed “Planting the Seeds,” sets the tone with an eclectic mix of dance, acoustic music, spoken word, and live bands. Featured performers include Elizabeth McLaren, Kula Rodrigues, Zingerwings, Ori, Steven Afrikaner, The Botselo Band, and One Blood.
Day two, titled “Full Bloom,” brings the festival to a crescendo with a focus on collective storytelling and movement. Highlights include a participatory performance circle with NAJAH, performance art by Mavetjiua Haimbodi, a dance piece by Maria Anita, and an interdisciplinary storytelling session from Soul Express. Spoken word artist Frogman K and live sets from Lela, O.U_Slow, and TAPZ will round off the weekend with vibrant, expressive performances.
Dennis Schroeder, director of the Goethe-Institut Namibia, reflected on the origins of OLAF, which began during the Covid-19 lockdown. “We built a public art programme to bridge culture, art, and the city,” he said, noting that the initiative was created as a space for artists to continue practising and sharing their work during a time of isolation. “You see how a neighbourhood and people-to-people relationships can change against the backdrop of live arts.”
Gretta Gaspar, administrator of the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), also praised the OLAF team during the launch. “There’s something special about seeing the streets, parks, and corners of Windhoek transformed by creativity and community,” she said. “OLAF brings art out of closed spaces and into areas where people live, work, and connect. That’s what we strive for - bridging the gap between art and everyday life.”
Gaspar added that OLAF reflects the NACN’s mission to promote, develop, and support the arts by creating an environment where creativity can thrive. “Our mandate is to ensure artists can maintain their practice, and OLAF is an excellent example of that in action,” she noted.
Jointly produced by the Goethe-Institut Namibia and the National Theatre of Namibia, with support from the National Arts Council of Namibia and in partnership with Energy 100, OLAF brings together a wide range of creatives and collectives across artistic disciplines. Since its debut in 2021, the festival has become a pioneering platform for public art in Namibia, continuing to grow in both reach and impact. Whether you are an artist, an art lover, or a passerby, OLAF 2025 promises a celebration of creativity that invites everyone to take part.
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