Hilton festival puts spotlight on Mandela

Worth the drive …

FROM art-work to theatre, blankets to installations and massive public art sculptures – the Hilton Arts Festival will this year proudly pay tribute to Nelson Mandela from 14 to 16 September.

Two massive outdoor exhibitions will take place, the first being the thought provoking THINK bench encouraging patrons to think differently. Self-taught, sculptor artist Louis Olivier, who regularly works with the renowned William Kentridge, has created a series of art works that are both functional and attractive. The second, T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E is a monumental public art sculpture consisting of nine letters in bronze. International artist Guy Ferrer created this artwork as an ode to tolerance, depicting priests, wise men and pilgrims entwined in the letters which suggests a religion, belief or spirituality.

In Buzz Room 3, a collection of John Meyer’s artworks Mandela: A Life’s Journey will be on display. The collection of numbered signed prints, owned by Andrew Dunn, is on permanent loan to Hilton College and will be curated for the public to appreciate. The 16 prints need to be viewed in sequence and follow the story of Madiba’s life.

Making its second appearance at the festival, is the wonderful participative initiative, 67 Blankets for Mandela.

Inspired by the life and character of Nelson Mandela, pianist, composer, arranger, Burton Naidoo transcribed some of Mr Mandela's' most iconic speeches. The concert, entitled OUR SONG, includes the words of the speeches harmonised in the effort to create a musical backdrop to these important pieces. Burton has also written new compositions to compliment the performance.

All programme details on www.hiltonfestival.co.za or contact 033 383 0127.