Vuyo Mayesa is the lead curator and founder of the initiative and joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the importance of public art, the accountability that lies with the entire community to uphold the park, and also to appeal to residents to get involved and support their volunteers and artists.

The Northern Cape is often celebrated for its vast landscapes and quiet beauty, but a new movement in Warrenton is proving that the most powerful landscapes are those we create together. The Magareng Public Art Project (MPAP) is currently in its final phase, and it is doing more than just adding a splash of color to the N12/N18 interchange – it is redefining the soul of the community.

Lead curator and founder Vuyo Mayesa shares a vision that goes far beyond aesthetics. The goal? To make Warrenton “Instagrammable”. While that might sound like a nod to modern social media trends, the heart of the project is deeply rooted in heritage, economic empowerment, and the transformative power of public art.

Vuyo Mayesa. Photo supplied     

Art as a Tool for Transformation

Public art is often misunderstood as a luxury. In reality, it is a necessity for community health. 

The MPAP is focused on three core pillars. Beautification by turning public spaces into sources of pride. Appreciation in creating a “gallery without walls” where every resident can access and enjoy high-level artistry, and lastly, co-creation.

The MPAP aims to bridge the gap between professional artists and local talent to drive economic advancement.

By focusing on mosaic art, vibrant murals, and life-sized sculpture installations, the project is physically reshaping the gateway to Warrenton.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Magareng Public Art Project is its commitment to skills transfer. This isn’t just a project for Warrenton; it is a project by Warrenton.

The initiative has created a platform for 10 adults and 20 local youth from the Ditshoswane Community Art Centre. Under the guidance of established professional artists, these young volunteers are spending months learning the intricate crafts of mosaic and sculpture. They aren’t just building a park; they are building resumes and developing a craft that can sustain them for years to come.

The Magareng Public Art Project is not just a project for Warrenton; it is a project by Warrenton.

Sustainability and Heritage

Walking through the site, you’ll notice a unique focus on alternative materials. By teaching the community about recycling and “upcycling” through art, MPAP is fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the project honors the heavyweights of local history. January’s workshops include cultural heritage mapping in commemoration of Mohlalefi Mahlabe, ensuring that the new “Instagrammable” Warrenton remains firmly connected to its historical roots.

A Call to Action: The Road to the Grand Opening

As the project moves through its final stages – from the induction phases in December to the intense creation weeks in January – the momentum is building toward an official grand opening in late February.

Vuyo Mayesa has issued a heartfelt appeal to the residents of Magareng: “This park belongs to you. For the project to succeed long-term, it requires the community to uphold the space, support the volunteers, and protect the installations.”

The vision is clear: a thriving park where families pay a small entrance fee for kiddie’s productions, where tourists traveling the N12 stop to take photos, and where local vendors can sell complementary products to a new audience of art lovers.

Support the Vision

Warrenton is on the verge of a cultural renaissance. By turning a roadside park into a landmark of creativity, the Magareng Public Art Project is proving that art is a catalyst for jobs, pride, and community unity.

Keep an eye on the N12/N18 interchange this February – the final reveal is set to be a masterpiece.

To follow the progress or get involved, visit the Magareng Public Art Project on Facebook.

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