Freedom Day mural unveiled
CHILDREN and youths from the Mzansi community centre in De Beershoogte, Barkly West, unveiled a mural and film that they produced in commemoration of Freedom Day on April 27.
The project is a collaboration between South African-based non-profit organisation Building A Future (BAF) and the non-governmental organisation Cup of Color Building A Future, which is based in Switzerland, and utilises art to inspire change.
Irene Fitz from the Mzansi community centre said the children came up with the theme for the mural.
“The leadership of BAF were asked to illustrate through drawings what being part of the organisation and Mzansi centre meant to them. This was then collected and combined to create the final image for the wall. Together, a team consisting of artists and members of BAF chose the applicable colours, tools and paint to start the work, by priming the wall and drawing the lines onto it based on the layout grid,” Fitz explained.
She added that community members were invited to participate by drawing their “desires and dreams” on paper and these were then painted on the wall.
“This enabled the community to voice their hopes and make it visible and lasting. The project is a huge success and will bring a little bit of hope and joy to the people of Barkly West. Everyone is welcome to come and see the wall and learn about the wonderful people who call it home.”
Fitz added that a film production was also part of the project.
“The children decided that the film should focus on gender-based violence. A portion of the movie was exhibited at the launch.”