14–31 March 2026

Purple Mountain Arts Residency’s first artist-in-residence for 2026 was Darion Adams. Darion brought their knowledge, expertise and passion to their residency, winning hearts and minds at every turn. 

Darion launched our inaugural Human & Environmental Rights Festival with film screenings at the POP Centre in Monte Bertha. A diverse collection of films, selected from Darion’s initiative, The AIM Society, kept us all enthralled. The films encapsulated the festival’s core themes of environmental preservation and cultural resilience, resonating deeply with audiences and emphasising the power of storytelling in fostering awareness.

During their two-week residency, Darion collaborated with community members, Heinrich Engelbrecht and Shumene Swartz, to create the piece, titled Wanne djy my naam hoor, an exploration of visibility, voice and what it means to be seen and heard. The piece was made up of dance, film, and poetry. This original work is rooted in Darion’s realities as a resident of  Manenberg and also their time reflecting on life in Porterville – and informed by his practice as a Pina Bausch Fellow. Wanne djy my naam hoor also honours Porterville-born artist Rosey Die Rapper, and her song “My naam hoor” (2008).