Maegan-Leigh JacobsFounded in November 2016, Baz-Art is redefining the urban landscape through commissioned urban art, empowering street artists to thrive and creating a sense of shared identity.
Baz-Art’s journey has taken it from Johannesburg to Accra, bringing colour and creativity to public spaces. The organisation’s work is not confined to aesthetics; it serves as a bridge between artists and various community stakeholders, creating a collective canvas for self-expression and unity.
Africa is full of contemporary art and Baz-Art is leading the way in showing it off. Its mission is twofold: to provide a platform for street artists to sustain themselves through their craft and to bring order to the street art industry.
Baz-Art aspires to become Africa’s foremost street art platform, crafting art in public spaces while meeting the marketing needs of its clients. Since its inception, Baz-Art has achieved various milestones in the local and international public art arena.
It has collaborated with renowned street artists and brands, and in February 2017, the organisation hosted Africa’s inaugural International Public Art Festival.
Public art serves as a reflection of community values, an enhancer of public spaces and a catalyst for dialogue. By offering artists a supportive platform, Baz-Art creates a connection between artists and various community members, from local businesses to public organisations.
Public art represents collective history, culture and memory. Through their work, Baz-Art aims to provide financial support to partners and breathe life into urban spaces, all while respecting three essential pillars: urban art, community and education.
In today’s world, art has a unique role in marketing and conveying messages, whether about social issues or client acquisition. Public art has become a powerful medium for creating experiential and impactful content.
Baz-Art specialises in producing art for urban and rural public spaces, working with entities ranging from private businesses to governments and humanitarian organisations. The organisation’s role is to understand clients’ requirements and translate them into striking artworks for marketing campaigns.
Since 2016, Baz-Art has curated over 200 murals, positioning Cape Town as a leader in street art and culture on the continent.
Baz-Art collaborates with communities, schools, businesses and various organisations to use art as a creative tool to foster public dialogue and engagement. Murals visually represent the complexities, histories, hopes and dreams of communities, transforming the perception and experience of shared public spaces.
Successful representation increases a local community’s sense of pride and belonging and contributes to economic, societal and community development, tourism and local business support.
Public art encourages conversation and Baz-Art promotes dialogue among stakeholders. They also offer art education for professionals in art and business practice and provide art classes for children in local communities. Art education has many benefits, including promoting academic, cognitive, personal, social, and civil growth.
It enhances skills, imagination, problem-solving, and reasoning and bridges cultural differences by teaching discipline, tolerance, acceptance, engagement, and the value of effort.
With a network of over 150 national and international artists, Baz-Art pairs clients with the perfect artist to bring their vision to life. Baz-Art is not confined to static art; it organises the annual International Public Art Festival in Cape Town, where local and international artists paint live murals across the city.
Baz-Art is a transformative force that’s redefining urban spaces, building communities, and nurturing artistic talent.
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Article was originally written and published by Jules Keohane for Cape Town Etc.
Feature image: Baz-Art / Facebook
