A public art skills programme has commenced in Warrenton, situated next to the N12 and N18, to beautify public spaces for residents and create opportunities for artists to express themselves for economic advancement.

However, recent acts of vandalism have occurred at the space known as the N12/N18 Park. Reinforced steel rods, rocks, tiles, and old tyres for the mosaic art wall were stolen, damaged, and defaced.

Vuyo Mayesa, lead project manager and artist, says these senseless acts not only destroy public property but deprive the community of safe, clean, and welcoming spaces for recreation and relaxation. The recovery costs will impact the programme.

“We are working closely with local scrap yards and law enforcement to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” he says.

Programme to create job opportunities

The first phase of the three-month programme has support from the National Arts Council (NAC) and Magareng Municipality.

Following this three-month phase, a longer phase will commence for the N12/N18 Park. In this phase, the park will be transformed into an entertainment space, hosting activities such as children’s plays, market days, and public performances. Activities will be monetised to create job opportunities.

During the public art skills transfer programme, two established artists equip young volunteers from the Ditshoswane Community Art Centre with several skills. These include beautifying the park through mosaic art, murals, and sculpture installations, as well as creating mural art at the local taxi rank.

The programme also seeks to use alternative materials to teach the community about recycling and environmental best practices.

Although the programme falls under the Magareng Public Art Project, it is a continuation of the Colour My Kasi project.

Colour My Kasi to add aesthetics

Colour My Kasi began as a project in 2010, inspired by the Galeshewe Mural Art, with the aim of telling original stories. It started to manifest in Warrenton in 2012 when Mayesa moved to the town and noticed it was lacking in aesthetics. In 2014, he began practising his concept of beautifying spaces by collaborating with a local primary school to paint murals on the premises, also exposing children to the arts.

In 2023, Colour My Kasi received its first funding for murals – for the Loratong Crèche, Togetherness Day Care, and the Ditshoswane Community Art Centre. Last year, it again received funding from the NAC.

The art centre has been operating for several years and houses a humble library and internet facilities for local youth. It also has an agricultural unit where locals participate in maintaining a vegetable garden for their own benefit. Recently, materials recycling has been added.

• The Magareng Public Art Project urges members of the public to report suspicious activities in the parks to protect and preserve shared spaces for current and future generations. Dial 061 970 9545 or write to 053eca@gmail.com.