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- The Emerging Artists Development Trust recently launched the Artful Rhinos project, blending art, wildlife conservation, and philanthropy.
- The initiative allowed 16 local artists to paint designs on a 50 cm large rhino sculpture, which could be printed on T-shirts and hoodies.
- Customers can buy the rhino-printed merchandise at the V&A Waterfront pop-up store, with proceeds equally benefiting rhino conservation and local artists.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
The Emerging Artists Development Trust (EADT), an organisation that promotes emerging South African artists, recently launched an initiative that merges art, wildlife conservation, and philanthropy to help save rhinos while also supporting local creatives.
Dubbed Artful Rhinos, the project has set up a pop-up store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, where customers can purchase rhino-printed merchandise, including T-shirts and hoodies.
The heart of the initiative involves 50 cm large rhino sculptures that were initially blank and then painted in different designs thanks to the carefully selected group of 16 artists from different parts of the country. The cohort was selected through the Artists Gallery in Cape Town, which is co-founded and managed by artists.
Barbara Lenhard, a German-born art advisor who came up with the idea, emphasised the importance of helping emerging artists financially while showcasing their talent.
"I always say that art is not for everyone, especially when people are younger and they don’t have disposable income," she told News24.
"The idea is to have artists invited to give them the opportunity to paint on this rhino sculpture in their specific style and then we create these really wonderful T-shirts."
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Guided by Lenhard and curated by Florian Gast, who have spearheaded various successful fundraising initiatives, the 16 chosen artists include Cornè Theron, Claude Chandler, Sarah Danes Jarrett, Fadiel Hermans, Sara Gaqa, Hermien van der Merwe, Andrew Ntshabele, Jaime Danielle Smith, Androetta Bekker, Moeketsi Moahloli, and others.
How it works
Customers can visit the once-off 'Pop-Up T-Shirt Station' at the V&A Waterfront where they will be able to purchase T-shirts and hoodies with their chosen rhino artwork. Alternatively, they can order online.
According to Lenhard, proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will be equally distributed between rhino conservation and the EADT when the campaign ends.
"The time-limited production of the wearable prints highlights the rarity and collectable nature of this campaign, ensuring that patrons become proud owners of not just art but a piece of impactful history for conservation as well as emerging artists," said the organisation.
The pop-up station, located on the first floor of Lampside Court, adjacent to Col'Cacchios and Sunglass Hut, opened on 7 January 2024 and will operate until 28 January 2024.
"It offers a haven for art lovers and conservationists, inviting them to immerse themselves in the beauty of art while contributing to two charitable causes by purchasing T-shirts and hoodies," according to the organisation.
The wearables include adult T-shirts for R450, kids’ T-shirts for R390 and hoodies for R980.
