Art Blog

Inaugural A Night of Greatjoy art auction aims to raise over R2 million for South African children

Mark your calendars this Mandela Day and get ready to be dazzled by an evening of elegance and philanthropy on Tuesday 18 July 2023. The black-tie fundraiser, set amidst the picturesque landscapes of the family-run Rosemary Hill estate in Tshwane, promises to be a night to remember, combining an extraordinary art exhibition and first of its kind, "Leave a Legacy, Ubuntu Crowd Fund" auction.

The inaugural event, curated by the Blooming Curate team Mosima Mokotong and Nozi Sikhonde pays tribute to the achievements of acclaimed visual artist, Greatjoy Ndlovu, and his immense impact on the lives of children throughout South Africa. As a full-time artist based in Johannesburg, Ndlovu's renowned works have earned him global recognition.

Now, in an exclusive showcase, twenty-eight original art pieces which make up the series titled 'Concessions: The Art of Hacking Progress,' will be auctioned off. The 28th piece honours the late Nelson Mandela and his work in empowering our children.

Each piece carries a minimum value of R50,000, and the event is expected to raise over R2 million in support of two deserving beneficiaries, the Kay Mason Foundation (offers high-school scholarships to underserved young people), and Operation Smile South Africa (provides free surgery to repair cleft conditions in children).

"I chose to dedicate part of my life's work to impacting the lives of children because I wholeheartedly believe that every child deserves a fair chance at a happy, healthy, and successful life, without being held back by circumstances beyond their control. I feel a personal connection to this cause because I understand that these same children, under different circumstances, could grow up to become noble leaders, intelligent scientists, and contributing citizens," says Ndlovu.

And giving scholars the best start in life to become these leaders is what the Kay Mason Foundation aims to achieve. CEO, Lauren Bright says "Greatjoy is not only a phenomenal artist, but a gentle soul that understands that giving back is the only way forward. We salute him for the difference he makes in the lives of our underserved youth."

Echoing this sentiment, Sarah Scarth, the Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa adds "Every three-minutes a child is born somewhere in the world with a cleft. Without surgery, they face serious and debilitating long-term health problems and will likely suffer from emotional abuse and isolation. We are so grateful to be a beneficiary of A Night of Greatjoy which will enable us to bring hope and healing to many more children born with clefts."

A Night of Greatjoy is not only a celebration of art but also a celebration of African heritage. Guests are encouraged to don their finest attire, with a touch of African flair, as they immerse themselves in a world of culture, unity, and most importantly generosity as they participate in the evenings effort to give back. Entertainment for the evening will feature live performances by the internationally renowned pianist and jazz artist, Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, neo-soul singer Njabuloseh and Kay Mason alumni Duncan Johnson on the saxophone.

A fresh take on fundraising

In a ground-breaking twist to traditional auctions, A Night of Greatjoy will also introduce the concept of a crowd-funded auction. Bidders will have the unique opportunity to collaboratively bid on 18 of Greatjoy's art pieces, which will then be donated to various children's hospitals around the world for future value to benefit the hospitals. The pieces will be held in trust by select Museums.

Twenty-eight percent of the value of each piece will remain with the bidders, forever connecting them to the artwork, a testament to their commitment to giving and leaving a lasting legacy through art. Alongside each donated piece, a plaque bearing the names of the buyers will be displayed, showcasing their commitment to art and their dedication to making the world a better place for all children.

The twenty-eighth and final piece of the exhibition, aptly titled 'Infinite', will be dedicated to the prestigious Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Johannesburg, as a tribute to the legacy of the South African stalwart on his birthday.

The power of art, culture, and humanity knows no bounds and A Night of GreatJoy NPC aspires to make this transformative showcase a global sensation, with plans to bring the event to New York on Madiba Day in 2024. Going forward the annual event will also include other artist's work, in effort to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, while breaking down barriers and fostering unity.

Tickets for A Night of Greatjoy are limited and are priced at R750 per person and includes a three-course dinner. You can book your spot on iTickets - those who can't physically make the event can still donate to the beneficiaries via iTickets.

For more information email nozi@anightofgreatjoy.org