International Public Art Festival - South Africa

By building a supportive foundation to the artists, Baz-Art creates the bridge to other members of communities: neighbourhood groups, local businesses, educative system, public organisation and the like. Public art is a part of our public history, part of our evolving culture and our collective memory. By giving a future to our artists, we also give a meaning to our cities. As artists respond to our times, they reflect their inner vision to the outside world, and they create a chronicle of our public experience. 

Art education has been shown to have various positive academic, cognitive, personal, social and civil benefits. Art activities can foster a sense of community. They can help to create a place of safety and security where students can learn from one another as they engage with themselves and their environment. Art can also activate and enhance other skills as diverse as reading proficiency, verbal memory, language and leadership. Art gives children a chance to use their imagination, which is especially helpful in situations where resources are limited. 

Working with communities, schools, businesses and a wide variety of other organisations, Baz-Art aims to help create an environment where art is used to improve people’s  physical and social environments.Art can transform how an area is perceived and experienced by its inhabitants as well as the wider public. Art can enhance the appearance and personality of a neighbourhood, thereby increasing the local community’s sense of pride and belonging. Improvements in physical surroundings as well as emotional awareness and sentiment can help to create jobs, such as guiding tours, and support local businesses. 

“In a diverse society, all art cannot appeal to all people, nor should it be expected to do so. Art attracts attention; that is what it is supposed to do. Is it any wonder, then, that public art causes controversy? Varied popular opinion is inevitable, and it is a healthy sign that the public environment is acknowledged rather than ignored. To some degree, every public art project is an interactive process involving artists, architects, design professionals, community residents, civic leaders, politicians, approval agencies, funding agencies, and construction teams. The challenge of this communal process is to enhance rather than limit the artist’s involvement.” **Association for Public Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania