A pilot project by the City of Cape Town, aimed at using murals to encourage tourism and create a better understanding of public art, is expected to be completed by the end of June.
This project was reportedly conceptualised after the second annual International Public Arts Festival (IPAF) which took place in Salt River last month. The IPAF was initiated and introduced by Baz-Art, a non-profit organisation dedicated to harnessing the power of art for the benefit of the public.
According to the City’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, the Arts and Culture Department is building and formalising a partnership with Baz-Art to get the project going in order to create growth opportunities.
The statement says the programme will be launched in partnership with subcouncils and ward councillors, and the murals will be at council-owned facilities in four identified neighbourhoods in the next financial year. This is reportedly a large-scale mural initiative which will soon be expanded into a mural art programme and the development of emerging artists in the near future.
According to the statement, public art has become an important focus and brings cultural, social and economic value to neighbourhoods. It is said that it reflects society and is anticipated to enrich communities. Read more