Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Mouton: Creating young Picassos

Home Youth Corner Mouton: Creating young Picassos
Mouton: Creating young Picassos

Jaenique Swartz

 

Art is a powerful means of self-expression and creativity, and every child deserves the opportunity to explore their artistic abilities. 

Unfortunately, not all children have access to art due to various barriers such as limited resources, time constraints, or lack of encouragement.

At the forefront of providing young minds in Windhoek’s Katutura the freedom to immerse themselves in the world of art is Bright Places Namibia, founded by Candice Mouton.

”Bright Places came to be after a conversation regarding the accessibility of art classes for everyone. The project aims to foster an environment where anyone, regardless of socioeconomic standing, is welcome to pick up a paintbrush and dream,” said Mouton.

Despite being a relatively young project, Mouton expressed that the journey of Bright Places has been delightful, and they have not encountered significant challenges so far.

Bright Places plays a crucial role in unleashing the creativity and imagination of the young participants by providing them with the necessary tools and resources. 

The Bernard Nordkamp Centre (BNC) currently supplies most of the materials needed, supported by a generous donation from Start Art Gallery, a contemporary art gallery based in Windhoek.

Mouton said the most rewarding aspect of this initiative is observing the children’s growth through their artistic creations. Witnessing them gain confidence in themselves as they progress through the artistic process is particularly gratifying. 

“Being able to witness the kids be super excited for art class and then see them sit down, waving their paintbrushes against their canvases and talking to their peers about their work; all focused little artists creating something special,” she said.

The overarching goal of Bright Places is to inspire the next generation of Namibian artists and creatives. 

Mouton hopes that the environment created by Bright Places encourages children to dream and believe in their creative abilities.

As young learners indulge in creating art pieces and contribute to murals, Bright Places continues to be a beacon of creativity, fostering a space where artistic expression knows no bounds.

“We hope that the act of creating will inspire the next generation of Namibian artists and creatives. We hope that the environment that Bright Places creates dares children to dream and believe they can,” she said.  

 -jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com