Aesthetics
& Politics
How visual and performing arts renew humanities inquiry and bring art, politics and publics into relation.
Explore platformCritical thought in African humanities
Ideas for a more
open human future.
Where humanities research meets art, history and technology — making space for urgent questions about freedom, society and the worlds we share.
CAPE TOWN · SOUTH AFRICARESEARCH / ART / PUBLIC LIFE
01THE INQUIRY
A humanities discourse, grounded in Africa
Thinking freedom.
Reimagining the human.
The Centre for Humanities Research (CHR) at the University of the Western Cape brings scholars, artists and students into conversation across disciplines. Its work asks how histories of colonialism and apartheid continue to shape the present — and what new forms of thought and practice might make possible.
Through research, artistic production, fellowships and public programmes, the CHR connects local histories with wider global conversations. This concept page offers a brief introduction; for current programmes, people and opportunities, consult the official CHR channels.
Scholarship can open new ways of seeing the present — and of making a future together.
AN OPENING QUESTION02AREAS OF INQUIRY
Research platforms
Four lenses.
Many possible worlds.
Explore the connected questions shaping critical thought, artistic practice and public life.
Aesthetics
Migrating
Violence
Investigating displacement, political violence and the movement of people, histories and ideas.
Explore platformBecoming Technical
of the Human
Tracing how technology and power shape changing understandings of what it means to be human.
Explore platformVisual History
& Theory
Reading images, archives and visual culture as vital sites of historical knowledge and debate.
Explore platform“An arena for scholarly exchange, artistic creation
and public inquiry into African political subjectivity.”
03IN PRACTICE
Ideas in motion
From the seminar room
to the public square.
The CHR's work travels across fellowships, seasonal schools, exhibitions, seminars and creative research spaces — bringing generations and disciplines together.
Discover programmesContinue the conversation
Follow the work.
Join the inquiry.
For current news, events, opportunities and authoritative institutional information, visit the official Centre for Humanities Research website.
Visit the official CHR website