Celebrating District Six’s Unique Identity: The Chapel Street Mural Art Workshop

District Six is a neighborhood with a rich history and vibrant culture in Cape Town, South Africa. The City of Cape Town is inviting community members and other interested parties to participate in a mural art workshop on Saturday, September 16, 2023. This collaborative project aims to showcase the district’s unique character and engage residents in the decision-making process.

Improving Chapel Street: A Key Project for Community Unity

Chapel Street is a significant area that connects the eastern and western communities of District Six, separated by an elevated freeway. The City and District Six caretakers have identified the upgrade of Chapel Street as a key project for community unity and movement between Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street, and the Central Business District. Its strategic location makes Chapel Street an excellent visual link between the historic area and the recently returned community.

Residents’ Input is Crucial for Capturing District Six’s True Essence

Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, emphasized the need for input from residents. He believes that the mural artwork should capture the true essence of District Six and embody the community’s collective vision for the future. The active involvement of residents will ensure that the project reflects the area’s character and identity, creating a strong sense of pride and belonging.

Mural Art Workshop: An Opportunity for Community Engagement

The mural art workshop will take place at Lydia Centre For Memory (corner of Chapel & St Phillips Street) from 13:30 to 17:30. The workshop will include storytelling and the development of themes for the Chapel Street artwork, the creation of criteria for evaluating prospective artists, and the formation of a panel responsible for selecting the artists and artworks in subsequent workshops. The chosen artist will receive detailed feedback from the community to guide the content of the mural.

Exhibiting the Mural Proposal and Upgrading Chapel Street

After the workshop, the City plans to exhibit the mural proposal at a public open house in November. This event will be part of the broader Chapel Street Implementation and Upgrade Project. If everything goes according to plan, the mural will grace the designated walls by April 2026.

Community Participation in a Creative Endeavor

The mural art project is a crucial aspect of the overall upgrade of Chapel Street. It builds on the outcomes of the Public Realm Strategy, which was developed in cooperation with the nominated District Six Caretakers and the wider community through virtual meetings and Open House events held in 2021 and 2022. This initiative not only engages the community in a creative endeavor but also serves as a testament to the resilience and legacy of District Six.

How to Participate

Residents interested in participating in the workshop can register via email at D6ChapelStreet.Upgrade@capetown.gov.za. The mural art project will undoubtedly enhance the neighborhood’s visual appeal while fostering a renewed sense of unity and cultural identity among its residents.