Thinking out the box...
Out The Box has been running empowerment projects in the Helderberg region since the Covid pandemic, and their ongoing urban Upliftment project in the area of Macassar is all about adding a splash of colour to peoples lives.
They describe it as shifting grey to green, in a landscape of crime, unemployment, gangsterism and GBV in vulnerable communities, where there’s a a great deal of frustration and disillusionment.
Macassar is also a region full of pride in its heritage, and has a huge amount of talent in both art, culture and sport - with multiple local NPO’s and individuals trying hard to uplift their home town.
Dr Bryony May, founder and social innovator behind Out The Box, says: “We try to enable these artists with the essential paint and materials that they need to do their craft.
“Out The Box has a vision to inspire and empower in vulnerable communities through its innovation and collaboration. In Macassar our project has multiple strong partnerships with local schools and NPO’s.”
One such important partnership is with MetArts run by Calvyn Grandling, a local superstar who was in West End theatre for many years, and has returned home from his leading role in the famous Lion King to roar a very loud message of inspiration through art and culture.
This mural art project has motivated local artists from across the region to team up, form new friendships, and - with their combined talent and passion - send a strong message through mural art.
Jonathan Hopley, one of the artists, says he uses his illustrations ‘’to inspire even if its just one person, to encourage these kids to dream, to spread more love, to illustrate.
“We have good here in our community in Macassar and we need to stand together,” he says.
Dr May expressed her gratitude to Dulux Specialist Centre-JF paints for valuing the importance of this project and helping to make the quality and colourful impact.’
She says they kicked off their project earlier this year, with an inspiring tour in Salt River and Woodstock, where this team of local artists met others in Cape Town, to share techniques and visions around their impactful street illustrations.
Creating stories on walls is becoming more and more widespread across Cape Town, and now increasingly in this region.
“Keep a look out as you drive around our Helderberg region - you will discover a lot of shifting away from dull grey walls to colourful vibrancy that truly uplifts the community spirit, and sends a message of hope and pride,” she adds.