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Call for submissions to help create mural that will visually inspire transformation
Author: Nicolette Dirk
Published: 06/07/2021
​​​​​​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) students are being called to transform the University’s spaces by nominating their favourite books for inclusion in a mural on the Stellenbosch campus.

The initiative forms part of the Visual Redress Project that is focused on changing the University's landscape to right the wrongs of previous powers by removing hurtful symbols and replacing them with new visual symbols that have African centrality as an outcome.

The latest project focuses on creating a mural on the wall of the Wimbledon Cluster, which will feature books arranged on a bookshelf. The wall itself is 5,33 metres wide and approximately 11 metres high. 

Dr Gera de Villiers, postdoctoral fellow for the Visual Redress Project, says books featured in the mural will be selected from nominations provided by the student community.

“The aim is to provide a new, inspirational visual symbol on campus where content is driven by student engagement,” says De Villiers. 

“This artwork will be for students, staff and visitors. By asking students to contribute to the project, it is our hope that they will feel a connection with the campus and that they belong. We are striving to create a better environment for all on campus, and believe that inclusive, inspirational public art can assist with this,” she says.

The project aims to provide public spaces that acknowledge the multitude of stories in our shared history.

Students can submit book title suggestions, along with a short motivation, via email to De Villiers at gera@sun.ac.za. The email must include either the title of your favourite books, books that have made an impact on your life, important 'must reads' or unpublished titles that you feel should have been published. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2021.