On the site of De Krook in Ghent, four partners – the City of Ghent, Ghent University, Africalia and the South African Embassy – decided to establish a monument in honour of Nelson Mandela. They see this artwork as a tangible expression of the ties between Ghent and South Africa.
Sponsors are currently being sought to enable the project to be carried out. In the autumn of 2017, selected artists will produce a preliminary design, and the final design will then be chosen by a jury early 2018. The monument is intended to be inaugurated at the end of 2018.
The project is already supported by Tom Lanoye.
In 2014, the University of Ghent, the City of Ghent and the South African embassy co-operated closely on a number of activities to mark the twentieth anniversary of the first democratic elections in South Africa. In this context, these partners took the lead in the “De Krook urban regeneration project” and decided to give new street names to anti-apartheid heroes (Nelson Mandela Promenade, Miriam Makebaplein, Albertina Sisulubrug, Steve Bikobrug), after having consulted Africalia. They also launched an initiative to set up an artwork in honour of Nelson Mandela in the public space, again after seeking the expertise of Africalia.
Do you want to know more about the collaboration or the history of the project ? Download the brochure (pdf).
Three South African artists were shortlisted to make the Mandela monument:
- Usha Seejarim (°1974) is an established artist with an impressive track record in public artwork, including the official beads portrait for the funeral of former president Mandela (in 2013). She is highly experienced in using a wide variety of materials and in working together with artists and communities.
- Lawrence Lemaoana (°1982) created a large bronze statue named ‘Democracy is Dialogue’ (2015), commissioned by the city of Johannesburg. The art piece represents a life-size female demonstrator. This contemporary young black artist with his unique approach is an ideal candidate for this project.
- Hannelie Coetzee (°1971) is a Johannesburg-based visual artist. She uses natural materials, unlikely partnerships and industrial waste to build her artworks. Her work aims to integrate science and art to inspire empathy for and engagement with Nature.
Make a financial contribution and make the Mandela monument in Ghent become a reality. Your contribution will not only help put Nelson Mandela’s historical legacy on display but also support our efforts to emphasise the importance of international solidarity.
Everyone can help bring about the Mandela monument through the crowdfunding campaign, or by becoming a corporate sponsor. You can provide sponsorship for varying amounts, and the partners will arrange a suitable return.
All gifts, donations and sponsorship welcome. We deliver tax certificate for donations of more than 40 euros.
Account holder: Africalia asbl
Bank: ING, Bruxelles
Account: 310-1801769-80
BIC: BBRUBEBB
IBAN: BE47 3101 8017 6980
Communication: Mandela at the Krook
You are interested and would like to learn more about crowdfunding or sponsoring? Contact Annelies Verdoolaege, Coordinatorof the UGent Afrika Platform, 0032 (0)9 264 83 73, Annelies.Verdoolaege@UGent.be
(Translation of the text of the City of Ghent: www.stad.gent/mandela).
