George Hospital one of only six in the world | Western Cape Government

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George Hospital one of only six in the world

18 September 2020

George Hospital is one of only six hospitals in the world that were selected to participate in The Balcony Bands Mural Project by painting six murals that depict the coming together of people during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The multi-panel design is based on real life stories of people bringing joy to their neighbours during periods of lockdown. The design is painted on six continents in the countries where the stories took place: Italy, Brazil, South Africa, Iraq, Australia, and the United States.

The paintings were unveiled on Friday, 18 September, at The Balcony Bands event. Singer Elvis Blue and local artists entertained staff at George Hospital at The Balcony Bands event. 

“The paintings serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and how we responded as a hospital, and a global community. It is a testimony to the determination and resilience of all the Health Care Workers at George Hospital who joined together to care for patients with SARS-CoV-2 during the 2020 pandemic. The Balcony Bands Mural Project was a tremendous opportunity for staff to participate in a creative and stimulating activity, away from the frontline and support their emotional wellbeing. We are excited to unveil the completed project today,” says George Hospital CEO Michael Vonk.

Staff had the opportunity over two days in August to put brush to canvas and create a finished product that will be viewed by staff and patients for years to come, reflecting on 2020 and its challenges. The project was initiated and funded by Foundation for Hospital Art: FFHA, an international non-profit organisation (www.hospitalart.org).

George Hospital would like to thank the following persons for making this event a memorable one: Elvis Blue (artist), Musi-sean (artist), Lynette De Jager (artist), Maria van Rooyen (staff member and artist), Coenraad (artist), Hanly Jumat (artist), Deidre Cloete (photographer), Jacques van der Merwe (videographer), Marais Kruger ( MC), and SND Productions for the sound and stage. We would also like to thank the staff responsible for all the arrangements. Also, a huge thank you for the George Community and their support during the pandemic.

More about The Foundation for Hospital Art

The Foundation for Hospital Art was established in 1984 and is dedicated to involving patients and volunteers worldwide to create colourful, soothing artwork donated to hospitals to help soften the often stressful hospital experience. Throughout the years, over 1 000 000 volunteers and patients have united to create over 48 000 paintings for over 6 000 hospitals in 195 countries.

Media Enquiries: 

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za