Ballito artist helps struggling communities with Project 500

Art with a heart is the watchword for Ballito artist Peter Matthews, who has a goal of providing 500 destitute families with food parcels.

He intends to manage this goal through the Township Youth Project (TYP), a non-profit organisation which offers youth free activities that keep them off the streets and away from drugs and alcohol.

“With the help of volunteers they are able to reach these children directly in the heart of communities and give them a chance at a better life.

“We do this through creative activities such as dance, yoga, music and art, and also give them an opportunity to learn new skills and develop new passions that change their lives and their communities.

“Through this we help to instill in children a sense of pride, community awareness and responsibility, as well as nurturing a culture of giving back to the community, ” said Matthews

Over the past year TYP got involved in food parcel and sanitiser distribution, as well as feeding and supporting impoverished communities in Groutville, Shakashead and Shakaskraal.

However, the past few months have presented challenges as a result of donor fatigue.

“With this in mind I decided to launch ‘The 500’ as an initiative to support the TYP charity campaign.

“The premise behind it is that 500 people purchase 500 original, continuous line artworks for R500 each – and in the process contribute to food parcels for 500 destitute families.”

Matthews, a recognised South African artist and photographer who has exhibited his work both in South Africa and internationally, said each piece from ‘The 500’ series was an original charcoal line drawing on A3 art paper and was easy to frame.

“I have lived in Balllito for the past 11 years and love the North Coast. I believe it has tremendous potential and I am committed to its development through various projects we are involved in.”

Queries about The 500 series can be made at info@petermatthews.art or log onto his website at petermatthews.art.

All proceeds will go directly to the Township Youth Project campaign to feed 500 township families devastated by the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.