The transformative power of art was a hot topic from Helderberg to the Green Point Urban Park, as a new pilot programme aimed to uplift vulnerable communities through various mindful mediums.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 April 2025) — The transformative power of art was the beating heart of a pilot programme recently underway in Cape Town. Aiming to help vulnerable communities through mindfulness-enhancing mediums, the Arts and Wellness Programme included a series of activities ranging from visual arts to performing and wellbeing arts practices.
These included everything from clay sculpting and nature art to sound healing sessions, drumming and gratitude art.
“Art provides a non-verbal way of expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate, such as grief and trauma,” explains the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member, Councillor Francine Higham
“It is also a valuable tool in processing experiences, reducing anxiety and building self-esteem. The value of the programme goes beyond the sessions,” the Councillor added.
Higham explained that the programme was designed specifically with vulnerable communities in mind, and that the different activities were implemented to address factors like emotional distress, enhanced self-awareness and community connections.
Participants attended workshops all over Cape Town from Helderberg to the Green Point Urban Park, and included individuals impacted by gender-based violence, senior citizens, people sleeping on the streets and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Now, following the pilot, the Arts and Wellness Programme is under assessment to determine its future prospects as an initiative.
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