mbulelo smpofu
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
IN a bold move that merges art and urban planning, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has introduced an innovative approach to traffic management.
Strategically placed large drums now regulate traffic flow at major intersections such as Robert Mugabe Way and 8th Avenue, as well as Fort Street from 9th to 11th Avenue.
However, local artists envision more — they want to transform these functional structures into vibrant works of art.
By commissioning artists to embellish the drums, the city’s streets can become not only safer and more efficient but also a reflection of Bulawayo’s rich cultural heritage.
National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo regional director, Silenkosi Moyo, underlined the significance of involving local artists in such projects.
“This collaboration will foster growth in the city’s creative sector, showcasing Bulawayo’s artistic talent and solidifying its reputation as Zimbabwe’s cultural heart,” she said.
Clifford Zulu, an independent curator who brought up the idea on social media and received positive feedback, said the idea of incorporating art into the city’s yellow traffic control barricades stems from a desire to blend functionality with creativity, making Bulawayo’s urban landscape both practical and visually appealing.
“These bollards serve an essential role in traffic control and are prominently visible throughout the city.
While I understand that their installation was carefully considered within budgetary constraints, as creatives in the city, we see the potential for these structures — whether temporary or permanent — to also contribute aesthetically to the urban environment.
“In the future, a collaborative approach could be explored. Local artists could be invited to design traffic barricades that are not only functional and effective but also visually engaging. This would bring about a sense of pride and ownership within the community, transforming these utilitarian objects into cultural symbols that celebrate Bulawayo’s artistic and cultural identity,” said Zulu.
Zulu said BCC has taken commendable steps to uphold the city’s reputation as Zimbabwe’s cultural hub.
“Initiatives such as providing platforms for cultural events and supporting heritage preservation demonstrate their commitment. However, there is still room to expand and strengthen this role to meet the evolving needs of the cultural sector. For example, the establishment of an Arts and Culture Office is a positive step toward engaging with creatives, but more can be done. Integrating public art projects into urban planning, such as incorporating artistic elements into infrastructure like traffic barricades or public spaces, can further enhance Bulawayo’s identity as a creative city.
“Additionally, the BCC could prioritise the allocation of spaces for artists to create and exhibit their work. This would help elevate the city’s cultural profile both nationally and internationally. By promoting public-private partnerships, supporting community festivals, and embedding art into infrastructure projects, the BCC is ensuring that Bulawayo continues to thrive as a vibrant centre of cultural expression and innovation,” said Zulu.
Renowned visual artist, Picasso, said he believes incorporating art into public spaces can be a great way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city and promote local talent.
“If BCC were to consider such a project, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for local artists to showcase their skills and contribute to the beautification of our city. It could also help foster a sense of community pride and identity. Murals on traffic control drums can be a fantastic way to add vibrancy and character to Bulawayo’s CBD. Not only can they help to beautify the area, but they can also provide a unique platform for local artists to showcase their talents.
“By engaging local artists to create murals on these drums, BCC can help to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage and support the local art community. Additionally, the murals can also serve as a form of social commentary, raising awareness about important issues affecting the community.
“I think this initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the city’s aesthetic appeal and cultural landscape. I’d be excited to see how local artists can transform these ordinary traffic control drums into vibrant works of art,” said Picasso.
Arts enthusiast and Culxure Mag founder, Kudakwashe Takundwa, said: “The idea of engaging artists to create murals on the yellow traffic drums is brilliant and aligns with global trends where art is used to beautify urban spaces. These drums, often seen as dull or purely functional, can become vibrant canvases that reflect the culture, identity, and creativity of Bulawayo,” he said.
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