– The beginning of a journey
In the remote and arid expanses of the Karoo, where the landscape is dotted with rugged hills and sparse vegetation, lies the small town of Fraserburg. It was there that a chance encounter between the MINROM CEO Oscar van Antwerpen and two young girls walking alone on a desolate road marked the inception of both the “Be The Good” non-governmental organisation and the Minrom Art Initiative. Oscar was deeply moved by the dire circumstances of the girls and the challenges faced by the town’s youths.
Inspired by the resilience of the children and driven by his passion for mentorship and upliftment, Oscar resolved to find ways to untap the potential within this young community, aiming to unlock the hidden gems among the children of Fraserburg by sharing resources and providing support.
Recognising art’s profound ability to connect and inspire people, Oscar Van Antwerpen launched the Minrom Art Initiative by reaching out to artists from across South Africa. These artists, both emerging and established, masterfully capture the essence of mining the land and the socio-economic challenges faced by communities, children in particular. This initiative showcases mining, the practical applications of minerals, ethical practices and renewable energy, the empowerment of women and youths, as well as social legacies, bringing everything to life though the visualisation tool that is art.
Additionally, Oscar founded the “Be The Good” NGO, which works in tandem with the Art Initiative, to open people’s eyes and inspire them to contribute to the cause, bringing hope to the children of Fraserburg. This organisation embodies his vision of a brighter future for the children by providing some support focusing on early development and on the empowerment of women, fostering a sense of hope and the creation of new opportunities.
A stunning artwork created by Fraserburg artist Debbi Morkel superbly depicts the rocks and earth of the harsh Karoo landscape. It encapsulates the socio-economic challenges faced by the local community, the reasons leading to the inception of “Be The Good” and the Minrom Art Initiative, and also underscores the need for vital collaboration between industries and communities in supporting the often-overlooked people of the Karoo, more especially the children.
“Red Rocks & Yellow Sand”, the closing piece of MINROM’s Art Initiative, shows a seemingly desolate yet rich landscape, full of the potential that lies within.