By Karabo Siyoko
Kimberley based visual artists led by renowned painter Janine Peters-Titus splashed AR Abass stadium with anti-drug abuse and anti-Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) messages.
The project was funded for R350 000 by the National Arts Council (NAC) as part of the presidential employment stimulus programme. The funds were used to acquire painting materials and stipends for the artists.
The group of artists applied different colour paints and brushes to decorate ten panels on the wall around the stadium. The artist used the wall as a canvas not only to communicate anti-GBVF and anti-drugs abuse messages but also to educate the community about the origin of the stadium.
In one of the panels on the stadium entrance gate the artist have placed the image of AR Abass after whom the stadium is named. Abass was a Kimberley resident who played rugby in 1903 for the Arabian College rugby football club at this stadium.
Peters-Titus said they could only paint a few panels including the entrance on the western side of the stadium: “we are still sourcing funds to paint the entire wall”, she added.
She explained that they chose AR Abass stadium to reach out to the youth as it is one of the places where youngsters gather for sporting activities. “The aim of the murals is to create awareness about GBV and drug abuse as well as to uplift the youth in art. As an artist I know what the youth go through”, said Peters-Titus.
Ten artists heeded the call when Peters-Titus invited artist to submit draft designs. After careful consideration only five artists made the cut namely Patrick Kola, Jabe Titus, Mogomotsi Makukumare, Bonolo Morwane and Refilwe Senyatso to participate in this project.
Stadium manager, Yasseim Aysen, was overjoyed when Peters-Titus approached to partner in the project. Aysen sees this an as opportunity to enhanced the stadium’s appearance and display meaningful and positive messages.
“The murals which illustrate sports also represent the stadium’s motto, “A child in sports is a child out of court”, added Aysen.
Ellen Laban, chairperson for the Status of Women in the Premier’s office remarked: “the art is educational. GBVF and drugs have escalated in recent years and are not only a political matter but a social issue that requires multi-sectoral intervention. We welcome the arts as it is how the youth express their views on raising awareness on GBVF and drugs”.
Peter-Titus advised young artists to pursue their dreams and not let anything negative stop them especially in the art environment as many opportunities are available to them.
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