Exploring streets of Salt River
THE streets of Salt River were explored yesterday as a group of individuals were given a street art tour of paintings and art murals around the area in celebration of the third BAZ-ART International Public Art Festival (Ipaf), taking place until February 17.
Two tour guides accompanied the group from the starting point at the Mi’Kasi venue in Victoria Road, Woodstock. A few speeches were made by a few officials before the tour started.
The purpose of the Ipaf is to raise awareness around public art and educate and empower people.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Generation Next” because as the world is becoming more digital, education needs to adapt to it as the future of education concerns everyone, explains Alexandre Tilmans, founder of BAZ-ART.
“We are involved with the community, residents, and the public through art as a way of raising awareness and creating conversation.
“The purpose of the street art tour today is to show our supporters and public that the art can have an impact on people and to encourage the public to start speaking about the art when they see it on the wall,” said Tilmans.
BAZ-ART provides local and international artists with all the tools they need to paint their murals in the area, accommodation and meals while they are in Cape Town for the festival.
Local artists are also promised work throughout the year, where they can use their art skills to make an income.
“There is a lot of undiscovered talent that we as the city need to work with organisations to unlock the potential, so that the work can feature on walls and not only in the city centre.
“The role of murals and art also has a positive impact in our communities because it connects people,” said DA councillor Zahid Badroodien.