Celebrating women at Freeworld

This week, soccer balls turned artworks proved to be a clever campaign to raise money for women in need.

In aid of the Safe Spaces campaign, the Freeworld Design Centre hosted an auction where transformed soccer balls by well-known and up-and-coming artists were up for silent and public bidding. A whopping R86,450 was raised in the process.

Artists like Zapiro, Conrad Botes, Lauren Beukes, Selah, Marcii Goosen and Justin Fiske each gave of their time to create pieces that reconceptualised the yellow soccer balls they were given. From candle wax, to embroidery, hair and glitter – the artists each interpreted their balls in varied and immensely interesting ways.

The highest bid (R14,500) was struck on the Bronze Ball by artists Holly Birkby, Laurie Wiid and Jean Tiran, with two balls by Zapiro, one depicting Nelson Mandela and the other Desmond Tutu, coming in at second and third position (R14,250 and R11,000 respectively).

The Safe Spaces campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for greater safety for women and girls, and this auction forms part of Freeworld’s Women’s Day celebrations.

More information: 021 427 8918, www.freeworlddesigncentre.com