Unknown to many, Parliament owns and cares for a valuable collection of historical maps and art works, including European maps from the Mendelssohn collection. Through the Parliamentary Millennium Project and its exhibitions, the project explores some of the perceptions, beliefs and prejudice reflected in different forms of mapping. In particular, it attempts to contrast European perspectives with indigenous ones, and through
this to encourage an understanding of our differing passed experiences, to challenge received history; and to promote the recognition of shared South African identities.
Starseed's task will be to design, develop and produce innovative
merchandise and educational aids to compliment and promote the central theme "Perspectives on and of Africa". The merchandise representing the various notions of perspective (points of view) in an African context will use mapping as the subject and this will be suitable for: Gifts, Giveaways, Resale and Retail partnered incentives that would be inspirational,informative and exciting to young and old.
Responding to Parliaments commitment to social and economic development, merchandise items will be procured from and through community projects, local artists and crafters.
