The Forest is made of walking sticks

In 2008, the agency requested the services of art consultant Andrew Lindsay, the owner of The Spaza Shop Art Gallery, to work on installing a permanent art and craft exhibition in the Bus Factory, where the JDA has its offices.

The main visual points include the Magic Garden, which consists of beaded plants, animals and mosaic landscapes of Joburg at various times of day. There is a contemporary reception area made from wood and metal, designed by Adriaan Hugo; the Forest, made of walking sticks interspersed with carved tree branches; a mobile of craftwork hanging from the ceiling; and a one-dimensional metal bus, with certain portions covered with beaded sheets made by women from rural Kwa-Ndebele and a young entrepreneur who sells his work in Greenside, northern Joburg.

Joburg through the day

This will recapture the spirit of "beautiful things" that the Bus Factory once offered.

Xabana was tasked with procuring, planning and implementing the work. Some of the works now on show are mosaics, sculptures, cars made from recycled tin cans, and beadwork.

In 2007, the JDA moved to the Bus Factory, in Newtown, where an exhibition space was retained from a previous craft show housed inside the building. This exhibition showcased various craftworks, but was removed when construction began inside the premises.

"I believe we can pride ourselves on the fact that about 95 percent of the exhibition installation was made by hand, and that a space has been provided for the involved artists to advertise themselves," says Xabana.

The agency
As its name suggests, the JDA is an area-based development agency. It stimulates and supports area-based economic development initiatives and supports growth and development strategies. Lael Bethlehem is the chief executive officer. She was nominated this year in the corporate category for a Business Women of the Year Award, by the Business Women's Association.

It is involved in the regeneration of the inner city and certain other parts of Joburg, and has overseen several projects already, including Constitution Hill, the Ellis Park precinct, Newtown, Kliptown, the Drill Hall, Braamfontein and Nelson Mandela Bridge.

It has also contributed to the re-vamp of Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville, Jewel City, Baralink, the High Court precinct and the fashion district.