Prince Harry's Sentebale charity launched its first-ever benefit auction today. Sentebale, founded in 2006 by the Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, supports children and young people in Lesotho.
"At the intersection of this incredible roster of artists, is a reminder of the resilience, identity, and power we strive to instill in those we serve, echoing the very essence of 'forget- me-not' which Sentebale means in Sesotho," Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said in a statement. "We are so honoured that these artists are contributing their work in support of ours, as we engage with children, young people and their communities in Lesotho and Botswana in forging sustainable solutions for a brighter, more inclusive future."
Five years ago, Prince Seesio spoke to T&C about Sentebale and the Duke of Sussex. "When we first started he was a young man, straight from school. He was eager to absorb, and over the period I’ve seen him grow tremendously. Not only grow as a person, but his passion for the charity and for the cause of young people who are seemingly on the margins," he said about Harry, adding, "It's not just the orphans and vulnerable children of southern Africa or Lesotho that he has a passion for. I’ve seen him do all these other initiatives because I think it is driven from a place that is deep-rooted. He wants to make a difference."
All proceeds from the auction—which features works by Outtara Watts, Yinka Shonibare, Derrick Adams, Nelson Makamo, Sedireng Mothibatsela, Camila Falquez, and Meshu Mokitimi, among others—will go to support the work of Sentebale. Per the charity, "these artists collectively echo Sentebale's mission to work with vulnerable children, young people and their communities to create sustainable solutions that address issues of health, wealth inequity and climate resilience in Southern Africa."
"Curating this extraordinary array of artists, spanning from emerging talents poised for global acclaim to established stars, fills us with immense joy," Dr. Sophie Chandauka, Chair of Sentebale, added. "The fusion of art and philanthropy not only enriches our souls but also fuels our ongoing efforts, which have already transformed the lives of countless children and youth. It's a personal joy for me to witness the convergence of artistic brilliance and the relentless pursuit of uplifting the potential of our youth, especially in countries I hold dear from my upbringing in Southern Africa.”
Hannah O’Leary, the Senior Director, Head of Modern & Contemporary African Art at Sotheby’s, also shared how the auction house "is both honoured and delighted" to work with the organization on the sale. "As global market leaders for African art and artists, we are committed to the African continent, and commend Sentebale for their impactful and transformative efforts in southern Africa," she said. "This auction provides collectors with the chance to acquire a diverse array of exceptional artworks, ranging from those by well-established international artists to promising emerging talents, all while contributing to this remarkable cause."
The Sentebale Benefit Auction is live for viewing now on Sotheby's website. Bidding begins April 11 at 11 a.m. eastern, and ends at April 25 at 2 p.m. eastern.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
