The Bellville CBD is getting an artsy upgrade. It now boasts 2 striking Waste to Art Protea sculptures. The sculptures were recently installed on the corner of Blackenberg and Cross Streets. They have been crafted from recycled materials to symbolise the power of community engagement and sustainable practices. This will also help to breathe new life into urban spaces.
Getting an artsy upgrade
The better. bellville. together. initiative. which was launched in February last year, has made significant strides in driving economic growth, fostering community cohesion and promoting environmental sustainability, in the business node.
The Project Lead at better. bellville. together. beautification project Alex Jongens says the Protea Waste to Art sculptures were born from the bins that were removed and replaced by the new better ones.
Jongens says “From rubbish to beauty, we can change anything with education, action, and community involvement.”
This showcases the transformative potential of recycling and beautification of urban space in communities such as Bellville.
A Blooming Bellville CBD
There’s a reason why Cross Street was selected as the home of the public artwork. The road is a vital pedestrian route connecting the Bellville Public Transport Interchange (PTI) to various destinations.
She added, “These Proteas are a gift to the people of Bellville to celebrate this (from rubbish to beauty, we can change anything).”
The sculpture is situated in a prominent planter box. It is not only an aesthetically pleasing landmark but can also be a great conversation starter or an educational tool.
Striking Waste to Art Protea sculptures
It was commissioned by a new local artist, Monique Fagan Junk, who is well-recognised for transforming waste into art.
MORE INFORMATION: The better. bellville. together. beautification project
She says they were inspired by the successes of the waste diverted from landfills by the project. This included 15.1 tonnes of recyclables and 6.1 tonnes of food scraps and organic waste.
Fagan Junk says, “These old bins, which served us well in the past, were turned into gorgeous flowers using the national flower – the Lotus of the Cape.
At the same time, a staggering 54.3 tonnes of organic waste were diverted from 26 local businesses, 18.5 tonnes of garden material were dropped off from the CBD and a whopping 15.2 tonnes of compost was also made.
From waste to beauty
The better. bellville. together. beautification project is part of an ongoing commitment to transform Bellville into a vibrant, sustainable community hub. The City of Cape Town funds the initiative.
Jongens added, that the Protea theme pays homage to the region’s rich natural heritage, particularly the Sand Fynbos which is endemic to the Bellville area. She says, that by repurposing discarded materials into art inspired by indigenous flora, the sculptures offer a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between urban spaces and the wider environment.
The latest addition to Bellville’s public art growing collection
The leaders of the project, say they are encouraged to repurpose the waste bins which are replaced by the new separation at source bin stations. They designed and crafted these Proteas as a gift to the community of Bellville to celebrate this transformation in consciousness around waste.
“From waste to beauty, we can change anything with education, action and community involvement,” Fagan Junk concluded.
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It’s been said that these beautiful sculptures are more than mere adornments. They represent a commitment to sustainability and creativity. Their presence enriches the Bellville community by providing an alternative form of public art. They are hoped to spark curiosity and they hope to encourage reflection on waste and consumption habits.
