George Municipality Unveils Visual Artwork Management Policy to Beautify Public Spaces

June 2023 marked a pivotal moment for George, South Africa, as the local municipality unveiled its Visual Artwork Management Policy, aimed at transforming the city's public spaces into vibrant hubs of creative expression. Spearheaded by Candidate Town Planner, Winsley Meyer, the policy lays down a foundation for artists to collaborate with the city in enhancing its aesthetic and communal engagement.

The policy's genesis was rooted in a critical review of the existing Outdoor Advertising By-law, which Winsley Meyer had a significant role in examining. This review brought to light a major oversight: the by-law catered solely to business advertising, disregarding the artistic potential of murals as tools for city beautification. Consequently, Meyer, driven by his dedication to the visual arts, initiated the development of this new policy, propelling George to the forefront as a city valuing artistry and cultural identity.

The Visual Artwork Management Policy not only sets parameters for the submission and evaluation of art proposals but also encourages local talent, aiming to foster a cityscape that resonates with the unique character of George. It underscores a commitment to facilitating public art endeavors and offering artists a managed environment to display their work, while simultaneously steering clear of commercial advertising contexts. Winsley Meyer's passionate involvement guarantees a policy crafted with comprehension and care for both the artists' intents and the community's enhancement.

An exemplar of the positive impacts emerging from this policy, Fourie Ackerman's art at Leentjiesklip, among others, has infused color and life into communal spaces, redefining them as vibrant and inviting. The first rollout witnessed in December 2023 featured Kaelyn Haffern's stunning artwork at Wilderness' wall and substation on Station Road. Her volunteer work, coupled with support from the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA), set the precedent for a flourishing art scene under the new policy.

Following Kaelyn’s maiden project, acclaimed Garden Route artists, Philip Denn and Fourie Ackerman were brought on board to further revitalize Main Beach Wilderness and its vicinity, demonstrating the enthusiasm of local artists towards enriching their city. The policy encourages both existing and aspiring artists to contribute to George's evolving canvas, ensuring it to be a collective representation of the community's soul.

Councillor Marlene Barnardt, MMC for Planning and Development, reveals that the policy surpasses traditional notions of public art by including both private and public properties in its scope, excluding advertising space. Importantly, it designates provisional practice areas for upcoming artists to hone their talents. George Municipality thus takes a stance not only to preserve but also to celebrate the diversity within its borders and create a lasting legacy of cultural vibrance.

Artists wishing to contribute to this urban renaissance can liaise with the Directorate of Human Settlements, Planning, and Development—an opportunity to embed their art into the fabric of George's identity.