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1. What is Pride of Kenya?
Pride of Kenya is a mass public appeal art event featuring 50 life-size adult male lion sculptures which are currently on display on the streets and in the malls of Nairobi till the end of October 2009.
2. Will Pride of Kenya be anywhere else in Kenya in 2009?
No, Nairobi is the only city in Kenya to host Pride of Kenya in 2009.
3. Why lions?
The lion and the Born Free Foundation are inextricably linked. We feature Elsa the lioness on our charity’s logo. Her journey to freedom inspires everything we do to help animals in need. But in the last few years, Africa has lost 70% of its lions and today as few as 16,500 animals remain. In Kenya, as few as 2200 lions remain and if this number drops below 2,000, this will not be considered sufficient to maintain a healthy and viable population.
Pride of Kenya aims to raise money for Born Free Foundation lion conservation projects but also create awareness of the drastic decline in lion numbers and highlight what can be done to improve the situation.
4. What are they made of and how big are they?
The lions are made of fibreglass and are decorated with paints and other materials and then finished to be weatherproof. Several of the lions are sited in outdoor locations around the city and some are located indoors but will still be freely accessible to the public. The lions measures approximately 185 cm long, 130 cm.
5. Who created the lion canvas?
The lion was commissioned by Born Free Foundation and Wild in Art. Wild in Art’s Creative Director made the initial maquette and was then assisted by acclaimed Kenyan artist Gakunju Kaigwa to create the full sized version.
6. Where are the lions located in Nairobi?
Everywhere! We've created an ‘urban safari’, with the lions forming a trail around the city, highlighting many of the iconic architectural features as well as some areas not so familiar. The event is undoubtedly attracting new visitors to Nairobi and residents also want to visit all the lions, becoming 'tourists’ in their own city.
7. Does it cost money to see the lions?
No, it is an entirely free event.
8. Who are the artists?
Anyone. Pride of Kenya aims to showcase the artistic talent of Nairobi and Kenya, featuring artists from all artistic communities and beyond - both established and aspiring - whether they are painters, designers, sculptors, architects, photographers or poets.
The Kuona Trust and Godown Arts Centre contacted all their members who then attended an Artists reception on 16th June 2009. The artists created designs of how they would decorate the lion on a template and sent them to Pride of Kenya for approval and matching with a sponsor.
9. How were the designs chosen?
All designs were compiled into one portfolio. Business sponsors then chose a design from the selection and the artist was commissioned to paint and decorate the lion. No logos or brands were permitted, so business sponsors and artists were challenged to find innovative and creative ways of reflecting or expressing their companies’ values!
10. What happens if a lion gets damaged?
Too much public affection, or even occasionally vandalism, can take its toll on the lions. The ‘Lion-Vets’ can often treat them onsite or they may be temporarily removed and taken to the ‘Lion Hospital' to be treated by our team of vets, before being returned to the streets of Nairobi.
11. Is Pride of Kenya a charity?
No, Pride of Kenya is an event owned by Born Free Foundation and Wild in Art. At the end of the event however, the majority of the lions will be sold at a gala auction and the proceeds will go to the Born Free Foundation for our lion conservation work.
12. Who runs Pride of Kenya?
Pride of Kenya in Nairobi is being run by the Born Free Foundation in consultation with Wild in Art. Pride of Kenya is partnership-led, and relies on the enthusiastic buy-in of all sectors of Nairobi life: business, finance, law, media, artists, academia, retail, festivals, tourism and culture....
13. What happens at the end of Pride of Kenya?
The lions will be taken off the streets and spruced up if necessary. The majority will be sold at a spectacular gala auction on November 6th 2009 marking Born Free Foundation’s 25th Anniversary and will be attended by the founder of Born Free Foundation, Virginia McKenna, Born Free CEO, Will Travers as well as other very special guests.
14. Who is Born Free Foundation?
The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. We rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.
For more information on Born Free Foundation visit www.bornfree.org.uk
15. Who is Wild in Art?
Wild in Art is a UK-based arts and events company that specialises in the creation, development and management of mass public appeal art events and related education activity. For more details please visit www.wildinart.co.uk |
