Dutch Masters Today - Royalafrican Collection
Uganda National Museum
2 - 31 October 2009
In October of 2009, the Royal African Foundation undertook it's first major project, a month long
European art exhibition in Uganda, Africa. This was the first time that a large European collection of modern Art was made
available for public viewing on the African continent.
The inaugural African exhibition was held in Uganda at the National Museum, from 2nd October 2009 – 31st October
2009.
The exhibition was entitled ‘The Dutch Masters Today’ and the month long programme, featured art (70 pieces) from modern
post war Dutch artists in a range of techniques from water to oils, acrylics and etchings.
A local partner, the TERP Group was tasked with organizing the exhibition opening ceremony and handling of the Public relations.
The TERP Group, on behalf the ‘Dutch Masters Today’ curator Mr. David Oduki, also approached the Ugandan business
community to seek sponsorship and media partnerships for the event. We remain grateful that both the Embassy of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands and Shell Uganda gave their full support to the event.
The collection showcased mostly Dutch contemporary artists including Karel Appel, Peter Diem, Corneille
and others like Rob Veening, Marisa Rappard, Dejo, Anky Floris, Botas, Bram Heideman, Consuelo Plaza Aranda, Daniel Wichers,
Ellen Langendam, Ellen van Toor, Else Thonhäuser, Esther de Bont, Eugénie Dammer, Eveline Kubbenga, Fihi, Fred Maës,
Geoffrey Wijn, Harry Versteegen, Hemmechien Knip, Henrike Kowalk, Iffio, Johann H.R. van den Noort, Jaf'R, Johan Tunzi, Judith Habraken, Karel Appel, Maria van Raalten, Marion Baars, Marion van der Veen, Marisa Rappard, Martha Fyrigos,
Maurits Zijp, Maxim De Sio, Mieke Winnubst, Mila Jeleznikova, Nel van Duijker, Peter Diem, Sharon Overmars, Tiny Sommers,
Ton Eyssen .
This was a unique and interesting opportunity for an African audience to view artworks from Europe on home soil,
on a scale never before seen in the region. The exhibition also gave three prominent local artists, Daudi Karungi,
Henry Mzili and Paulo Akiiki, the opportunity to display their work alongside the ‘Dutch Masters’ to increase interest in local art
in general.
One artist led work shop led by local artist Henry Mujunga also took place at the museum for 8 year old children. In this workshop
children were shown the importance of working together in teams with each team picking a Painting on display they liked and attempting to reproduce
it in their own way.
The results of the workshop were as surprising as they were exciting because the finished works
looked very different.
We realized that creativity among kids is universal, it just has to be nurtured
for a longer period in African schools in order to produce innovative kids to compete in the Global economy.
FUTURE PROJECTS - planned
Royalafrican foundation plans to continue to change lives in Africa through Art education by continuing with its concept of exposing
African kids directly to Eurpean modern Art and to nurture their creativity by involving them in Artist led workshops.
The next Exhibition is planned for Rwesero Art museum in Nyanza province in Rwanda. This show will feature a different theme from the previous exhibition in Uganda
but will nevertheless aim to acheive the similar outcomes, goals and objectives.
Although at first intended to become a palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa, the palace at Rwesero has been easily converted into an art Museum.
Bringing Art to the Kids - Museum Bus
Having sucessfully attracted 16,000 kids to the exhibition in uganda, we realise that more can be acheived by having the
exhibition come to the kids given that many kids go to boarding schools or lack the means to travel to the cities where the museums
that house the exhibitions are located.
This concept involves the use of a specially built bus/ truck to transport a select curated exhibition to boarding schools,
cultural centers and events across a particular region in Africa in a given time frame and have the artist led workshops
at these stop overs to acheive our main goal of cultural exchange.
Why A Museum Bus ?
Art works can be taken directly to the children anywhere on continent.
Kids can see art work in a gallery setting even in rural areas.
Secure way of moving art work about.
Simplifies setting for artist led workshops.
Education programme which accompanies each exhibition includes gallery talks & tour, education kits, exhibition print material and artist-led workshops.
Want to know more about this project and how you can get involved? contact info@royalafrican.org
Special Thanks to The Royal Dutch Embassy of (Uganda) and Royal Dutch Shell (Uganda) for sponsoring this exhibition.
