Article 17. Assembly, demonstration, picket and petition
Project Description from the Art of Human Rights:
‘The Constitution is not just a document of high aspiration and idealism. It is a practicable, workable charter. And it has proved itself modestly but practically effective as a basis for the democratic exercise of power in our half-‐broken, half-‐fixed country.’ -‐ Edwin Cameron, Constitutional Court of South Africa.
South Africa is seen as a leader on the African continent in attaining democracy and universal franchise for its entire people. On the other hand the social and economic problems of poverty, deprivation, racism, xenophobia, discrimination, crime, lack of access to health services, education and justice remain a blemish and a debilitating obstacle to the future well-‐being of all its inhabitants. The present situation represents a clear indication of South African’s struggle with embracing the values, spirit and meaning of the South African Bill of Rights.
The arts present a unique and well tested medium to visually communicate those values central to all human rights, as contained in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Bill of Rights.
To this end Art for Humanity (AFH) invited 29 artists and 27 poets to create new work with the aim to inspire all South Africans with the values, spirit and meaning of the South African Bill of Rights.
Berni Searle selected to work with Article 17. Assembly, demonstration, picket and petition (http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/1996/96cons2.htm#17)
