Sponsors are currently being sought for the project. The selected artists will draw up a preliminary project in autumn 2017. In early 2018, a jury will select one of them. The aim is to inaugurate the monument at the end of 2018.
The project has already received support from Tom Lanoye.
History
In 2014, Ghent University, the City of Ghent and the South African Embassy worked together to offer a number of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the first democratic elections in South Africa. As part of the project to renovate the Krook district, these partners took the initiative of naming certain streets after heroes of the fight against apartheid (Nelson Mandelapromenade, Miriam Makebaplein, Albertina Sisulubrug, Steve Bikobrug), with Africalia playing an advisory role. At the same time, they called on Africalia's expertise to erect a work of art in the public space in honour of Nelson Mandela.
Would you like to find out more about the project, its history and its partners? Download the brochure in pdf (English).
The artists
Three South African artists are in the running to create the Mandela monument:
– Usha Seejarim (°1974) has an impressive track record in public art, and has established herself as a leading light in the art world. Her most notable work includes the official pearl portrait for the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela (2013). Familiar with working with a wide range of materials, she is also used to collaborating with other artists and local communities.
– Lawrence Lemaoana (°1982) created a large bronze statue entitled "Democracy is Dialogue" (2015) for the City of Johannesburg. The work depicts a larger-than-life protester. This young black contemporary artist is all the more a legitimate candidate as few people follow his work in public spaces.
– Hannelie Coetzee (°1971) is a visual artist living in Johannesburg. She uses natural materials, seeks out unusual partnerships and reuses industrial waste to create her works. Through photography and sculpture, she aims to reconcile science and art to bring man closer to nature.
Become a sponsor or take part in the crowdfunding!
Make a financial contribution and support the creation of the Mandela Monument in Ghent. In doing so, you will be highlighting Nelson Mandela's historic legacy, while underlining the importance of international solidarity.
Anyone can make a contribution, either via the crowdfunding campaign or by becoming a sponsor. Contributions can be of various amounts, and there will be rewards in return.
We issue tax certificates for all donations over €40.
Account holder : Africalia asbl
Bank: ING, Brussels
Account number: 310-1801769-80
BIC: BBRUBEBB
IBAN : BE47 3101 8017 6980
Communication: Mandela at De Krook
Interested in finding out more about crowdfunding or sponsorship? Contact Annelies Verdoolaege, Afrika Platform UGent Coordinator, 0032 (0)9 264 83 73, Annelies.Verdoolaege@UGent.be
(Translation of the City of Ghent text: www.stad.gent/mandela).
