Motorists driving through the Germiston CBD may have noticed some new additions to the everyday scenery.
Brightly coloured and eye-catching paintings can be seen under the Meyer Street railway bridge, but where did they come from and why are they there?
“As part of the ongoing urban renewal of Germiston’s inner city, the metro has included a public art component to the Germiston Urban Renewal Project,” explained Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.
“Public art was included in the scope of work as it will return life, colour and vibrancy to the city scape.”
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The project is being implemented in stages by the departments of human settlements and sport, arts, culture and recreation and was officially started on July 16.
It is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.
Though the project has started in Meyer Street, public spaces around the Germiston Theatre stretching to the Germiston Civic Centre will soon be adorned with beautiful murals.
The paintings, which are being painstakingly done by 10 artists from across Ekurhuleni, depict the history and life of Germiston, such as mining, transport, the steel industry, informal settlements and urban life.
Artists James Skhosana (24) and Sazi Sithole (34) from Primrose, Nhlakanipho Madela (26) and Zanoxolo Phali (30) from Dukathole, Bongani Siyoko (23) from Wattvile, Lazarous Seshane (32) and Siphiwe Tshezi (35) from Daveyton, Mxolisi Malinga (22) and Lucas Ngope (26) from Maradona informal settlement and Lunga Harmans (35) from Ramaphosa were selected to take part in the project through several workshops.
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“During the workshops, the artists had to present proposals detailing the vision for the project.
“It’s a skill transfer project and selected artists range from professional artists to emerging artists,” explained Refiloe Monopela, from Refiloe General Supplies Arts Company, which is in charge of the artist selection and management.
“The artists hope to share the rich history and culture of Germiston while enhancing the community in an artistic way.”
The metro echoed these sentiments.
“The Urban Renewal Project and the Germiston Cultural Precinct is bringing a much-needed arts and cultural element to the city.
“The city is not only a place where people work, but it is also a place where people live.
“By beautifying the city, the aim is to provide a better working and living environment for the community, while instilling civic pride in residents and encouraging them to re-claim and to take ownership of their city,” said Themba.
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