Revitalizing Capel Street: Cape Town’s District Six Embarks on a Mural Art Project

Capel Street, located in the heart of District Six, is set to undergo a transformation through an exciting mural art project. The City of Cape Town has invited community members and interested parties to participate in a mural art workshop on Saturday, 16 September. The goal is to develop potential mural designs that reflect the street’s vibrant history and culture and involve local residents in the creative process.

Enhancing Connectivity and Identity

Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, explained that the District Six caretakers envisioned the upgrade of Capel Street to improve connectivity between Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street, and the Central Business District. Capel Street serves as a crucial link between the existing District Six on the eastern side of the freeway and the recently returned community on the western side.

The mural art project aims to accentuate the unique character and identity of the area, resonating with the residents’ vision for their collective future. Andrews emphasized the importance of insightful contributions to ensure the artwork genuinely captures the District Six essence.

The Mural Art Workshop

The first art workshop will take place on Saturday, September 16th, at the Lydia Centre for Memory. The workshop will feature various activities, including storytelling and theme development for the Capel Street artwork. Participants will establish criteria for evaluating prospective artists and select a panel to oversee the artwork and artist selection in subsequent workshops.

The outcomes of this workshop will significantly influence the mural’s content, with detailed feedback provided to the chosen artist.

The Future of Capel Street

The City intends to showcase the mural proposal at a public open house in November, as a crucial component of the broader Capel Street Implementation and Upgrade Project. If everything proceeds according to plan, the approved mural is expected to adorn the designated walls by April 2026.

This mural art project is a critical aspect of the comprehensive Capel Street upgrade, which builds upon the Public Realm Strategy. Developed collaboratively with the nominated District Six Caretakers and the broader community, this strategy materialized through virtual meetings and open house events held in 2021 and 2022.

Celebrating History and Culture

The Capel Street mural art project is not merely a beautification exercise. It represents an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their shared history, culture, and vision for the future. By engaging local residents in the creative process, the City of Cape Town is fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the revitalization of this historic street.

As the vibrant colors and intricate designs begin to grace the walls of Capel Street, it will stand as a testament to the power of art in transforming and uniting communities.