The idea
We will be working closely with the council to finalise the designs and secure planning permission. We will keep you updated on our progress and no money will be collected until planning permission is secured.
This campaign is to create and erect a magnificent, warmly inviting, expressive and impressionable statue of Nelson Mandela in a part of Leicester supported by majority vote. A bronze statue bigger than life-size standing on a plinth donated by the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby.
The second phase of the project will involve a semi-circular fashion will be a 'peace garden' in front of the statue. A simplistic and gentle-running fountain will be at one side - symbolising the stream of life and providing a quiet moment from busy lives. A giant game of 'Connect 4' and 'Dominos' (popular with African Heritage Community) will be at the other. The 'Connect 4' will be utilised mainly by children but both games are intergenerational activities.
What we'll deliver
- Bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, five metres tall (inc. plinth)
Why it's a great idea
Leicester City has historical links with Nelson Mandela through its tireless campaign to free him from imprisonment of nearly a quarter of a centenary in Robben Island, South Africa. Nelson Mandela believed in a "rainbow nation" where all races of people - starting with those in his native country - live in freedom - 'free from white & free from black domination' (Anti-Apartheid). His legacy embraces people of all colours & culture. The statue would be a focal point for the rich & diverse people of all colours, cultures & multi-faith of Leicester for inspiration to live in peaceful harmony, share & enjoy each others' wealth of knowledge, activities, events & what it means to be human. The Nelson Mandela statue will be warmly inviting, expressive & impressionable & the intended 'peace garden' to create an atmosphere of tranquility and togetherness for those who visit. An environmentally friendly attraction to be seen as a repeatedly 'must visit' place by people of Leicester and beyond.
Steps to get it done
- * Finalise the Leicester people's vote on the site of Nelson Mandela statue
- * Sitting with the sculptor to finalise statue design of Nelson Mandela
- * Sitting with the landscape designer to professionalise the Nelson Mandela Peace Garden
- Progress will be measured by deadlines agreed with stakeholders. E.g. 'mock-up drawings'; Public presentation, Materials
- Completion of each stage in the project will be accompanied by visible evidence of the task.
- 1st stage of crowdfunding - Statue cost: approx. £80,000; 2nd - Peace garden: approx. £10
The statue will be a perpetual reminder of our need for community cohesion, respect for freedom & dignity of human life. Noteworthy that Leicester City Councils slogan "working for equality" & in its "Anti-Apartheid Declaration" in 1980'sdescribed apartheid system as a 'suppression of human dignity, & a threat to world peace'; Tiger Rugby team was one of the first sporting team in the UK to recognise & support anti-apartheid action by boycotting sporting exchange with South Africa in 1980's. So we (people of Leicester) helped to dismantle the evil system that kept human beings apart & subjugated another. When he was freed in 1990', Nelson Mandela visited the City & the Tiger to say "Thank You". Today, The Nelson Mandela Community Programme (TNMCP) C.I.C. based in Leicester recognised the sacrifices Nelson Mandela made for human freedom, dignity & peaceful coexistence & wishing to emulate his call & have our own 'rainbow city', we celebrated the Centenary of his Birth in July 2018.
