The Melville community are rising to the occasion of suburb appreciation by working hard to beautify their gem of a home! From rubbish bins getting a makeover to new public art, the biggest celebration of Melville will be taking place over the weekend:
Melville, South Africa (28 February 2024) — Melville has long been associated with art, culture, quirky shops and even quirkier people. If Joburg was a reality show, Melville is the alternative and mysterious cast member who is unapologetically authentic. Heck, one of its streets was even ranked as one of the coolest in the world!
But, like many other parts of Johannesburg, Melville has faced its fair share of community stress. Beloved areas degrading, crime, and inefficient service delivery have all played their part in residents’ frustrations.
Here’s what makes Melville and its people as cool as their suburb’s reputation! Instead of waiting for someone else to remind them how special their piece of Joburg is, the Melville community have banded together to beautify, better and bolster the love for Melville. And in true Melville fashion, they’ve let their creativity guide them.
Street pillars became canvases, new pieces of public artwork are on display, graffiti has gotten a makeover and even dustbins have got their own sprinkle of art.
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A creative community volunteer day was even held in anticipation of The Happening—Melville’s upcoming celebration of passions and people.
Think of the Happening as the city version of AfrikBurn. On Saturday 2 March, the ethos of community will take centre stage to the point where there will even be a gifting economy present, just like Burn. This essentially means that instead of paying for some items, people will be gifted them, reaffirming the awesome sense of uBuntu, Melville is curating.
No sponsorships are accepted, and everyone is welcome to share their craft with their community. And no disrespect for the event or the suburb will be tolerated; especially when it comes to litter.
For residents in Melville, the act of beautifying their suburb and gathering in this energy of effort is an act of community love.
Says Melville resident and artistic entrepreneur Edward Wakefield, “Melville has long been known as an artistic space in Joburg, although the scene has fluctuated over the years. I think this is a great opportunity for the community to revive its artistic heritage.”
The Happening will be taking place on 7th Street and a portion of 4th Avenue.
Sources: The Happening; Edward Wakefield
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