Cool Capital 2014 Biennale

The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale is a platform that has been created for the citizens of Capital City to collectively contemplate and express why they love Pretoria and how they can develop it.

From 29 August 2014 to 15 November 2014 The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale will introduce us to the wealth of art, architecture, urban- and graphic design, public installations, film screenings and musical performances about Pretoria.

President of the Pretoria Institute of Architecture, Pieter Mathews

Spearheaded by the president of the Pretoria Institute of Architecture, Pieter Mathews, The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale challenges Pretoria citizens to explore the possibility of creative expression that Pretoria has to offer.

During his travels to the Venice Biennale in 2012, Pieter realised the creative possibilities Pretoria has to offer and wanted to live in a city where creativity reigns.

Ultimately The Cool Capital non-government organisation invites all individuals, collaborations, educational facilities or groups willing to contribute something creative within the borders and the laws of the city.

The aim of the Biennale is to bring about visual, perception and actual change to Pretoria by means of a multitude of small interventions.

Enough small projects with creativity, passion and love of our heritage will generate the critical mass necessary to make such an event a success …

ShowMe Pretoria is excited and on board with the vibrant and upbeat branding of The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale and we applaud the initiative to reflect the true diversity and urban energy of The City of Tshwane.

Some of The Cool Capital initiatives currently underway include:

Maze at the Association of Arts in Brooklyn

The planning of a new maze on the grounds of the Art Association in Pretoria is well underway, with landscape architect Tobias Mahne and sculptor Sanna Swart on board to design and create a maze to celebrate the association’s 57th birthday on 27 September 2014.

Our Capital Sculpture

Renowned Pretoria based sculptors, including Angus Taylor, Sybrand Wiechers, Sanna Swart, Francois Visser, Izanne Wiid and Rina Stutzer (amongst others) gathered at the Van Wouw House-Museum on 13 March for the official Our Sculpture Capital Launch.

Sculptures that are up in the Capital so far: 

Capital Poetry Project

Poetry forms an important part of the arts and can influence our experience of the city. Poetry will be printed on placemats at restaurants and customers will be able to take these home.

Contact: Carla Taljaard to find out more: info@coolcapital.co.za

Atterbury High School Project

Art is important, and it begins at school. High School Students will collaborate with esteemed artists from the Capital to create an installation on their school grounds between 3 and 13 October. These installations will be open to the public during weekends after 18th Oct.

Be sure to visit participating schools! Although funding is closed, any school is still welcome to participate and let us know. The following schools are participating so far:

Dr Edward Phatudi High School, Hoërskool Tuine , AHMP, AHS, Cornwall Hill , Crawford College PTA, EDUPLEX, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Hoërskool Hendrik Verwoerd, Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Oos-Moot, Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes , Hoërskool Tuine , Hoërskool Waterkloof, Eersterus Sekonder , Midstream College , PBHS, PHSG, St. Albans , St. Mary’s DSG.

If your school would still like to participate, please contact Debbie Cloete @debbiecloete@gmail.com.

Highlights of this initiative so far: 

Architectural Pavilions

Architectural pavilions are small, temporary and experimental installations that celebrate design and create photographic opportunities. Various architectural firms have designed pavilions and these will be scattered throughout the city. More info and a map will be provided on the website: www.coolcapital.co.za.

PPC public benches

Civic art and sculpture forms a major part of the biennale, and public benches will be erected in and around the city in order to celebrate our sculptural heritage and future. Scattered throughout the city. More info and a map will be provided on the website: www.coolcapital.co.za

Some of the benches installed accross Pretoria thus far: 

GUESS WHERE campaign

On the Cool Capital 2014 Facebook page, The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale creates awareness of the Capital art and architecture by posting images of buildings and artworks. Visitors can comment on the images and answer with the name and location and win weekly prizes.

Events in Pretoria

Supporting and promoting events such as The Capital Urban Market and bi-weekly film screenings by the Molo Mollo outdoor Cinema Club, The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale keeps Pretoria citizens in the loop and excited about what Pretoria has to offer.

Sunny day at The Capital Urban Market in Pretoria – Photo  Letlhoonolo Ndhlovu

Get on board

Join the The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale and help unleash Pretoria’s potential to be a world-class Capital. The possibilities are endless, let your imagination run wild.

As Pieter says: “This project can heal and regenerate neglected parts of the city. History has shown that small interventions can make a difference: a mural in a rundown precinct can uplift an entire area. ‘Urban acupuncture’ can have a lasting effect something!”.

View the Cool Capital program.

You can follow The Cool Capital 2014 Biennale on Facebook and Twitter @CoolCapital2014 or visit the website: www.coolcapital.co.za to stay in touch and involved.