Jaguar South Africa is proud to reveal the six female artists participating in the 2023 #GiveHerACrown campaign. Championing a diverse range of artistic disciplines, the women were chosen for their unique and ground breaking work which celebrates female creativity and empowerment.
The 2023 campaign will see each artist create a bespoke piece aligned with the theme of “Celebrating the exquisite details of women”. Each art piece will portray a story that aims to not only inspire but encourage women to embrace their uniqueness and individuality. Jaguar firmly believes in empowering women and celebrating their fearless spirits and creativity, so as to express their inner selves to the world.
Launched in 2020, #GiveHerACrown is an empowerment platform that uses the power of storytelling and the arts to make a difference in the fight against gender inequality. #GiveHerACrown, empowered by Jaguar, has played an important role in uplifting female artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and share their stories.
Irene Kakooza, Communications Manager, JLR South Africa & Sub-Sahara Africa, said: “Jaguar believes in the power of innovation and creativity, not only when pioneering products but as a way so solve society’s biggest issues. At a time when the world, and South Africa, desperately needs to focus on empowering, recognising and protecting women, #GiveHerACrown is an ideal and much-needed platform. We are proud to be a part of the initiative for the third year in a row.”
As Jaguar reimagines its all-electric, modern luxury future within the JLR portfolio of brands, a focus on Diversity and Inclusion remains a top priority for the corporation. As a global business, building a rich and inclusive culture that reflects our communities is central to our commitment. As part of its strategy, the company has set several global objectives, including the target to have 30 per cent of all senior leadership positions held by females by 2026.
Employee-led networks, supported by the central Diversity and Inclusion team, and the Diversity and Inclusion Board co-sponsors, Barbara Bergmeier and François Dossa, are also advocating for gender equality in the business and more widely in the industry.
It is this expressed commitment to diversity and inclusion that attracted the involvement of talented filmmaker Linda Notelovitz from Life Design. Linda will turn her camera on the six artists, bringing to life their unique and inspiring stories Along with sharing their stories, the short films will focus on the behind the scenes of the artists’ creations.
These bespoke art pieces will join the Crown Collection, which is the exclusive collection of artworks produced each year by the artists of the #GiveHerACrown campaign. This year’s collection is curated by ARRCC, a highly regarded and accomplished interior design and décor studio based in Cape Town.
This year’s Crown Collection will be revealed and exhibited at The Melrose Gallery on 10 August and will remain on display until 25 August. As in previous years the proceeds from the campaign will go towards the Crown Bursary Fund to benefit a selected number of aspiring female designers.
Craig Mark, Director, the Melrose Gallery said: “The Melrose Gallery is pleased to host the launch of this year’s ‘Give Her a Crown’ collection. We recognise the need to support woman empowerment and this project is a welcome addition to our annual ‘Woman’s Month’ programme curated by Ruzy Rusike.”
Representing a diverse range of art disciplines, the 2023 artists are:
- Andiswa Bhungane: a brilliant and upcoming resin and acrylic painter, who describes her work as luxurious and multifaceted. Instagram: @andiswaxartistry
Andiswa Bhungane - Beth Diane Armstrong: a creative sculptor of large-scale projects. Her focus has been on creating monumental artworks made of stainless steel. Instagram: @bethdianearmstrong
- Helena Hugo: a seasoned portrait artist who prefers to portray individuals who are often overlooked. Instagram: @hugo_helena_artist
- Lara Klawikowski: a consummate professional and skilful fashion designer, Lara designs wearable art and unique womenswear. Instagram: @lara_klawikowski
- Shelley Mokoena: a talented fashion designer who prides herself in creating bold yet understated pieces that turn heads. Instagram: @shelleymokoena
- Sonja Swanepoel: a diverse and multitalented sculptor and landscape architect. Sonja creates contemporary art for environmental awareness. Instagram: @sonjaswartswan
Linda Notelovitz, Director & Producer, Life Designs, said: “As a woman filmmaker, being asked to create a film campaign for #GiveHerACrown 2023 can only be described as a full-heart experience. Meeting and working with the six unique female artists, all complex and bright, and each one very talented was more than I imagined it could be.”
Visit www.giveheracrown.co.za for more information and follow @giveheracrownsa on Instagram for exclusive content and announcements.
