The Wide Open Walls project was founded by Lawrence Williams, a keen artist who had been working with local artists on a project called Bushdwellers for a few of years and always wanted to expand the project into something bigger. The idea was to turn villages in the area of Ballabu Conservation Project into a living art project. Something which would last and function as a valid art installation whilst simultaneously promoting the tourist appeal of The Gambia. This year Wide Open Walls collaborated with Write on Africa, the Cape Town based community art project. The main focus was to encourage and inspire urban rejuvenation through special events, initiatives and art in public space to “inspire ourselves to inspire others to inspire change”.
Art supplies were provided to children of various villages, and a dilapidated classroom was refurbished by Freddy Sam and community members, creating a colourful space for children to use as a crèche and a classroom. South African photographer, Jonx Pillemer and filmmaker Rowan Pybus were there to capture the two week long project, spending ample time with community members and the street artists reflecting on the interactions and friendships formed during the collaborative creative processes. A ten minute documentary of the project will be released in August.
I have always believed that art can change lift up the spirits of a community and bring them together in a unique way. This project is surely a great example of that. The photographs of the project, depict a a colourful and lively lease on the villages involved. It will be interesting to see the documentary and see the emotional and physical engagement of the communities and facilitators working on the project.
SOURCE: KILELE, WIDE OPEN WALLS & FACEBOOK
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