Cape Town: The Community, Arts and Culture Development Department of the City of Cape Town has started an annual project, as an important drive to enliven public space and support emerging artists.
Reportedly, four new murals are adorning the walls of facilities in Delft, Grassy Park, Mfuleni and Valhalla Park of Cape Town. The newly installed murals have transformed the buildings of the city.
The murals were conceptualized through co-design workshops or stakeholder engagements organized by the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department of the City of Cape Town. The selected locations are situated at a city-owned ECD in Delft, the Chris Hani Hall in Mfuleni, the Grassy Park Library and the Valhalla Park Civic Hall.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that these vibrant artworks have not only revitalized the buildings and put the local talent in the spotlight, but also, they are representing the communities in question as interpreted by the artists.
According to Higham, this is just one of the ways in which they help emerging artists in finding platforms for self-expression and to showcase their talent. Planning is already under way for the next set of murals to be completed by mid-2026. They are incredibly excited to see these life-sized works of art pop-up in more communities.
The group of community artists was sourced from a broad spectrum of communities within the metropole with many either living in or having strong ties to the respective mural locations. They have worked under the tutelage of lead artist – Skumbuzo Salman.
Salman expressed, that he was delighted to be a part of this experience. It was amazing to watch art, community and creative expression intersect in this manner.
He highlighted that each of the projects encapsulated a particular community spirit and identity enhancing the impact and meaning of the murals. These projects reflect more than artistic prowess. However, they embody the vibrant spirit and diverse voices of the communities. As per Salman, they are testament to creativity’s power in fostering connection and inspiring civic pride.