Support Repair of Artist Studio after the big fire in Arnhem
Don protégé
The big fire in Arnhem on March 6 raged right next to the bookstore where my Art Studio and apartment is located. I watched in horror, from Cyprus, at my CDCD artist in residency and far from home, as videos and images were being sent to me with messages asking if I was safe. After days of tension, tears and a total feeling of paralysis, I got a message from a dear friend with the following message:
“Dear, I saw that your building is not damaged, but all your neighbours are gone. very bad”
I’m lost for words and don’t know how to feel. I’m very grateful to be alive and that our building with all my artworks and books is intact. There is damage, however, due to water, fire extinguishing, soot and smoke. I do not yet know the exact extent: the building has not yet been released. The Studio and my home may only be accessible when more is known about the stability of the adjacent building.
Like many others, I sympathize with our neighbors who lost their home or business. The solidarity in Arnhem, and the support for those affected is heartwarming. I’m deeply touched from afar by how our city is literally coming together. I’m touched by the messages from across the world sending love and support.
As I gather courage to return home where all my neighbours are gone, I ask friends near and far and institutions who have been a great support throughout my art career, to support me, in the form of a donation or buying of my artwork in order to help repair the damage of my Studio, Artworks and Books.
Many artworks featured on the website https://sithabileartprojects.com, along with my whole life's work and invaluable books I've been collecting for many years and using for my long-term research on colonialism, are in the Studio. I'm trying to stay calm despite my fear about their current condition based on the above mentioned damages.
I thank you for your support.
Organisateur
Sithabile Mlotshwa
Organisateur
Arnhem