Cool capital

WORDS Nikki Benatar GRAPHICS Sunshinegun


Lees in Afrikaans.

No longer the fuddy-duddy administrative capital of SA, Pretoria is stepping into the limelight as a thriving metropolis alive with cool creatives, a buzzy nightlife and massive opportunities.

The Jacaranda City’s revival is part of the Cool Capital Biennale 2014, an initiative spearheaded by the president of the Pretoria Institute for Architecture, Pieter Mathews. The aim is to bring visual, perceptual and real changes to Pretoria and the surrounding metropolitan area of Tshwane.

“We want to introduce the public to a wealth of art, architecture, sculpture, and urban and graphic design, while affording them the opportunity to interact with these interventions,” says Pieter. “Enough small projects with creativity, passion and love of our heritage will generate the critical mass necessary to make such an event a success.”

The event will run from 23 August to 29 November 2014, concurrently with the Cape Town 2014 World Design Capital event and the Durban Architecture Otherwhere 2014 conference of the International Union of Architects.

“Any creative person, institution, association or studio in Pretoria that can produce work of an acceptable standard and think outside the box is welcome to participate,” says Pieter. “Cool Capital can heal and regenerate neglected parts of the city. History has shown that even small interventions can make a difference: a mural in a rundown precinct can uplift an entire area. ‘Urban acupuncture’ can have a lasting effect.”

Participate in a think tank session and presentation at 6pm on Thursday 9 May at the SABS Design Institute Offices, SABS Campus, 1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria.

More info at www.coolcapital.co.za

Keep updated by liking CoolCapital2014 on Facebook.