Paterson Park Centre artwork relates to residents
The Paterson Park development project has not only produced great architecture but art as well.
The Paterson Park development project has not only produced great architecture but art as well.
In alignment with Johannesburg Development Agency’s (JDA) commitment to the continued roll-out of its Public Art Programme, ArtMyJozi is a placemaking (a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces) through art initiative, implemented along the transit-oriented development corridors. Through this initiative, a series of murals, artworks and urban furniture at the Paterson Park Sports and Recreation facility were installed.
Sharing more about the initiative, Tammy Palesa Stewart of contemporary art production team The Trinity Session, said since 2017, The Trinity Session has held the position of curator-coordinator for all placemaking through art along the transit-oriented development corridors in Johannesburg, by appointment of the City of Johannesburg and JDA.
“The artworks programme, #ArtMyJozi, has unearthed and added an essential layer of cultural identity and character to the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System implemented within the Louis Botha/ Empire Perth Transit Oriented Development Corridors, as well as the attendant neighbourhood infrastructure and placemaking upgrades in the neighbourhoods of Noordgesig and Orange Grove,” Stewart explained.
She added that the three-year period of social engagement, research, unearthing of local narratives in relation to the greater geography and histories of the corridors, had seen the implementation of numerous works of art, developed and designed through methods of co-production with local residents and users within these neighbourhoods.
“Over the past four years, The Trinity Session has worked closely with a group of local creatives and storytellers from the Orange Grove community. These artists have been involved in multiple workshops and activations with the aim of extracting key narratives and artwork designs.
“Once these designs were approved by the client, the same artists were invited back to implement the artworks on site, under the guidance of professional suppliers.”
ArtMyJozi has been active in the Orange Grove community since 2017, however, the final artworks were implemented in the Paterson Park upgrade area from June to September this year.
“In June 2018, we produced a performance titled Birds of the Grove, in collaboration with the group of Orange Grove artists, and local theatre maker Myer Taub.
“The fence artwork is inspired by the Birds of the Grove performance and design outcomes generated during creative workshops last year and this one.”
She added that the fence was decorated with figures that were photographed during the performance of the Birds of the Grove. “The vibrant colours are indicative of the original performance and the dynamic creative community of Orange Grove.”
In addition to the artworks design and implementation, the ArtMyJozi programme has facilitated various skills sharing, personal development and small business incubators to stimulate local residents and creatives to develop their practice in relation to larger individual or collective projects, with a view to improved sustainability.
Details: The Trinity Session www.thetrinitysession.com
Have community activities? Share them by email to naidines@caxton.co.za
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/276635/artwork-for-rhinos/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/315170/paterson-park-redevelopment-approved/
