“The average person sees about 10,000 commercial visuals a day… Whether we are online or not, we are constantly seeing images, and over time, this daily consumption shapes our visual narrative - the story we tell ourselves about who we are and the world around us, based on the visual information we have absorbed...” Research suggests we are much better at learning content from pictures than text. The human brain processes images around 60,000 times faster than text - it takes 13 milliseconds to process an image, and 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words.  ------------- A NEW MOVEMENT. In her book The Visual Detox, Marine Tanguy is on a mission to start a movement. She states that we must demand more from the public spaces we spend our time in, and urges a proactive approach to ensure we maintain a visual landscape around us that is inspiring and enpowering. Consequently, for organisations, this is a call to a more meaningful, intentional and substantive approach to curating spaces, for audiences who are becoming increasingly conscious of the implications of positive and negative visual consumption. The underlying message for curators of both outdoor public spaces and indoor spaces such as hotels, restaurants and shops is clear. Initiatives geared at bringing more art into spaces, "not only make a positive first impression, adding to the visual landscape new and interesting visuals that enhance gathering places, providing moments of contemplation, or simply a beautiful place to eat lunch!" Art in public spaces can also promote psychological wellbeing by providing a welcome distraction from daily stressors. Furthermore, well-curated artwork is proven to attract new visitors to a venue, giving a financial boost from the increased footfall, while also being highly beneficial in cultural engagement, with the power to unite communities with messages that bring us together. ------------- INSPIRING, EMPOWERING, SUPPORTIVE, NOURISHING. In a complex, fragmented world, The African Art Series is dedicated to using African art as a tool to create new and exciting visual narratives that are 'inspiring and empowering, supportive and nourishing'. By virtue of its boundless dynamism, African art lends itself to cultural exploration and broadening of perspectives, whilst encouraging open-mindedness, promoting empathy and understanding, and strengthening social bonds and interconnectedness. This presents a unique opportunity for progressive, forward-thinking organisations to have more purposeful engagement with their customers. It’s unsurprising that organisations that demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to such initiatives, are more likely to have more emotional connection, and will reap immense benefits in both the immediate and long-term. Tactical, innovatory, diversity-driven initiatives are proven to significantly bolster the reputation of a brand, positively impacting two important parameters: differentiation and sales.