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Fundraising at ‘Celebrate Bethesda’ – 2005

‘Celebrate Bethesda’ – the fundraising event for the Bethesda Arts was held in the spectacular seven-floor-high atrium of PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

 

A crowd of volunteers and staff began the transformation on Friday afternoon. The scene was like a circus tent with helpers dangling from the high wires and bars from which the art works were to hang. Coloured background boards were hoisted up, immense textile panels were attached to scaffolding poles and framed prints were mounted. Over two days the atrium was dressed as an art gallery ready for the big event on Sunday evening.

Stephen Forster, of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, welcomed the guests and introduced Founder Director of the Centre Jeni Couzyn who, with Tarot Couzyn, started the Centre in the disused clinic in 1999. Now the building has been developed into a thriving gallery, studios, theatre, library and education centre for the people of the township. The poverty and hopelessness of the life in this area is being turned around and people are beginning to see their own worth. An outreach programme from the Bethesda Arts Centre is spreading the influence over the Eastern Cape and the results are quite remarkable. People from Nieu Bethesda spoke, on film, of how their lives have been changed so dramatically.

After such inspired words the guests were willing victims of an auction of art works form the Bethesda Arts Centre and from many well-known fine artists in the UK. The merciless ‘Fingers’ Fingleton presided over the auction and drove bidders to compete against each other. The two huge wall hangings from the arts centre will go to grace the walls of generous bidders.

Once the auction was over the sale of skirts, bags, hangings and limited edition prints continued to a background of music from the Wala Danga band, accompanied by food and wine. The event was fantastic success and over £10,000 was raised for the Bethesda Arts Centre. Commissions were discussed for bespoke textile works and the future of the Arts Centre is assured for the next year.

A huge thank you was expressed to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the wonderful venue and for the generous help and hospitality of their staff.

Have you seen what we achieved in? 2007 | 2005 |  2004 | 2003 | 2002 |  2001 |

© Copyright Bethesda Foundation, Bethesda Arts Centre, 2005
Registered Charity 1089122

Generous guests

A highlight of the event was the presence of Sir Sydney Kentridge QC, who defended Nelson Mandela at his treason trial and represented Steve Biko’s family. He spoke to the guests about the desperate need for this project, saying that the South African Government alone couldn't realistically deal will all the problems left by apartheid. He passionately endorsed the work of the Arts Centre that was giving people back their hope and their self-respect.

Judge Albie Sachs stood up to speak after Sir Sydney. Albie is famous for work on civil rights and his leadership against apartheid. He is the author of numerous books on human rights, culture and the environment. He spoke with passion about the creation of the new South Africa and the part that the Bethesda Arts Centre is playing in making it a reality.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent a personal endorsement for the event, saying

‘We can all make a difference to someone somewhere and through the Bethesda Foundation empowerment programme you can change a life of hopelessness to its glorious counterpart’.

The event was a huge success. Over £10,000 was raised from sales of work, generous auction bids and donations.