Athenaeum
The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality with the financial support of the NLDTF, has been commissioned to restore the ‘Grand Lady’ of Arts and Culture of Nelson Mandela Bay which is situated at the corner of Castle Hill and Belmont Terrace.
Historical:
The Athenaeum was founded in the 1850′s to promote cultural activities. It died out in the 1880′s. In 1893 the Young Men’s Institute, the School of Art, the Naturalists’ Society and the Camera Club combined to re-assert the right of the Athenaeum to occupy a part of the City Hall. The Town Council offered to bear most of the cost of the present building which was opened in 1896. In the early years of the 1900′s it became mainly a social club and changed its name, but it has since again become a centre for cultural as well as social activities. After the Second World War the Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society rented and enlarged the Loubser Hall extension which is now the Ford Little Theatre. The building is one of the few examples of the classical style of architecture in the city and was designed by George William Smith. It was declared a national monument in 1980.
2011:
Arts and Culture organizations have rallied around the MBDA initiative and have revived the Athenaeum Council. The Council will run the building and create a hive of activity in the Arts, Culture and Heritage. The Athenaeum will become the focal point of the Arts once it is finished, and, with the partnership of the ARTS JOURNEY, NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL and Mandela Bay TOURISM, it will become a ‘Creative Collective’ of Nelson Mandela Bay.
The official launch and opening of the Athenaeum is planned for 17 June 2011 – which will form part of the 2011 National Arts Festival Fringe Program with an Exhibition of 200 Eastern Cape Artists as well as an Exhibition of leading potters including (numerous) award winners.
The following organizations presently make up the Athenaeum Council
(organisations representing Arts / Crafts / Theatre / Drama / Film / Dance etc are more than welcome to apply for membership of the Athenaeum Council)
Athenaeum Council Members (2011 to 2012)
President: Greg Everard
Athenaeum Marketing and Administration Co-ordinator: Bongani Njalo
Cell: +27 (0)84 982 5513
Fax: +27 (0)86 513 9694
Email:
Members:
Art in the Park Association
Art-EC (Eastern Province Society of Arts and Crafts (EPSAC)
Ceramics South Africa – Eastern Cape
Friends of the Nelson Mandela Bay Art Museum
Mandela Bay Development Agency
Nelson Mandela Municipal University – School of Music, Art and Design
Port Elizabeth Camera Club
Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society
PEMADS (Port Elizabeth Music and Dramatic Society)
Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival
Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneel Vereniging (ATKV-PEAAT)
Port Elizabeth Theatre Initiative
Showtime
Address: c/o Castle Hill and Belmont Terrace, Port Elizabeth
Contact: Greg Everard (President)
Phone:
Fax:
Location
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