Photovoice, mural art and mapping as mobilizing tools for social change : a case study of a Phumani Paper enterprise

M.Tech.This research project explores the use of visual arts-based methodologies as tools to create exposure, increase sales of products and enhance social networks for a small craft enterprise called Kutloano Papermaking. Visual strategies of Photovoice, resource mapping and mural-making have been widely used in different contexts. This research considers the benefit of combining these three tools in a series of interventions with participants from Kutloano Papermaking and Thabong township of Welkom, Free State Province, South Africa. This project emerges out of a multi-year research activity, Cultural Action for Change: a Ford Foundation-funded project investigating the role of visual arts and social change. The partnership between the University of Johannesburg, Artist Proof Studio, Phumani Paper and sixteen papermaking enterprises across South Africa uses visual tools such as Paper Prayers, Photovoice and resource mapping to explore issues of health, economic development and creativity. My research expands on the work of Cultural Action for Change, building on the successes of Photovoice and resource mapping. Participatory Action Research (PAR) principles of collaboration, participation, action and dialogue underpin this research project. PAR as the framework of this research attempts to create an environment of horizontal knowledge creation and sharing. Findings from this research demonstrate that culture can awaken the spiritual, material and emotional well-being of individuals and communities. This research supports the role of the arts in contributing to economic action and organizing communities that are socially and economically marginalised