The Hazendal Festival
The Hazendal Festival brought together artists, scientists, and cultural practitioners to think, create, and debate collectively on significant dynamics impacting our shared world. The festival’s inaugural Soil Edition was curated by the international South African curator Khanyisile Mbongwa, who gathered leaders in art, music, culture, fashion, theatre, dance, and academia to explore the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary meanings of soil.
Mbongwa crafted a thought-provoking and multi-sensory programme featuring live music and theatre performances, fine dining, an academic symposium, an art exhibition, immersive workshops, and an engaging children’s programme. Commissioned works included a sculptural installation by Thania Petersen, an interventional procession by Sethembile Msezane, a land and sound constellation by Sisonke Papu, along with the launch of the limited edition MCC label by Athi-Patra Ruga.
Guided by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulanga,” meaning “They may be asleep but they are not quiet” in English, and “Hulle slaap dalk, maar hulle is nie stil nie” in Afrikaans, Mbongwa’s programme reflected on the interconnected themes of land, belonging, and repair. The programme invited attendees to consider the themes of love, grief, and healing.
Soil Edition
The Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition celebrates our deep-rooted connection to the land, embracing the belief that the earth is both a gift and a shared responsibility. Through every experience, from our thought-provoking Symposium and captivating artist installations to kids’ workshops, live music and bespoke food and wine pairings, the festival invites you to explore the enduring bond between heritage, environment and community.
Soil Edition
The Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition celebrates our deep-rooted connection to the land, embracing the belief that the earth is both a gift and a shared responsibility. Through every experience, from our thought-provoking Symposium and captivating artist installations to kids’ workshops, live music and bespoke food and wine pairings, the festival invites you to explore the enduring bond between heritage, environment and community.
The Participants
The Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition’s curatorial team invites both the participants and the visitors to collectively attend to the wounds of soil – to mourn what has been lost in order to imagine a loving way towards a fertile future. Bringing together a Community in Practice, Mbongwa invited leaders in the fields of art, culture and science to reflect on the topic of soil and to imagine the different possible hopeful futures for contemporary Africa.
The Participants
The Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition’s curatorial team invites both the participants and the visitors to collectively attend to the wounds of soil – to mourn what has been lost in order to imagine a loving way towards a fertile future. Bringing together a Community in Practice, Mbongwa invited leaders in the fields of art, culture and science to reflect on the topic of soil and to imagine the different possible hopeful futures for contemporary Africa.
