A 19 by 4 meter mural focusing on conservation and sustainability was revealed in Suva last week in celebration of World Environment Health Day.
This mural, created by local artists Jack Eastgate, Hefrani Barnes, and Mele Nabola, is part of the “Art for Change” initiative, a collaboration between the Greenhouse Coworking business facility and the Agence française de développement (AFD) Group.
Maria Ronna Luna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi, the founder of Greenhouse Coworking and The Greenhouse Studio, expressed the company’s conviction that art and creativity, fostered through partnerships, have the power to transform communities, cities, and societies.
“Art can convey messages, shift perspectives, and inspire action, representing visual storytelling at its finest,” Ms. Sekiguchi stated. She noted that the AFD Group also recognizes the transformative power of art in driving change and expressed excitement about involving three local artists in this initiative.
The AFD Group is a French public organization that finances and oversees impactful global projects, collaborating closely with local stakeholders to align with sustainable development goals in economic, social, and environmental spheres, always considering the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Pacific region, AFD emphasizes mitigating climate change effects, enhancing the resilience of Pacific islands and their inhabitants, and preserving biodiversity. Elodie Vitalis, an AFD representative in Fiji, remarked on the pride in partnering with Greenhouse Coworking to elevate awareness about conservation and climate change.
“When Greenhouse introduced this initiative, we saw it as a prime opportunity to showcase the shared values and priorities between AFD and the Pacific, such as climate change, conservation, human development, and stewardship,” she said. She also highlighted the initiative’s role in training two young female artists committed to fostering a sustainable future for Fiji.
The vibrant mural on the exterior wall of Greenhouse Coworking, located at the intersection of Des Voeux Road and McGreggor Road in Suva’s upper CBD, is intended to symbolize a hopeful vision for Fiji and the broader world.
Since its establishment in 2021, Greenhouse Coworking has envisioned incorporating meaningful artwork on its exterior wall. Ms. Sekiguchi noted that AFD, being one of their own members, emerged as an ideal partner for this endeavor.
In addition to the mural, Greenhouse Coworking’s Art for Change initiative will also offer the venue free of charge for the three artists to conduct regular paid classes open to the public, focused on using visual arts to inspire change and promote social action.
“We welcome additional partners to collaborate further on this initiative, as we envision its expansion beyond just classes and murals,” Ms. Sekiguchi added.
She expressed her vision for Des Voeux Road to evolve into what she calls The Arts Precinct in Suva, starting from Mana Coffee, which already features a mural and in-house artwork, then extending to the Alliance Francaise and Baka Books.
“Guided Art Walks can be organized, and we could host Nights at Des Voeux to support all types of creative industries, including visual and performing artists, tattoo artists, and a Night Market,” Ms. Sekiguchi concluded.