The District Six Museum 1994 - 2005

Enabling Policy Framework Contributions to human rights education/influence on the curriculum suggest a variation on the declared institution model request 2/3 funding from local, provincial and national govt and continue to raise 1/3 or more thro fundraising. 

From “Hands Off!” to “Hands On”

A Profile 60 000 visitors in 2003 Has grown from a volunteers organisation in 1994 to 25 staff in 2005 Annual Budget of R5 million. R1 million self- generated. Can improve.

The District Six Museum Mobilised land issues since 1988. 10 Years old in 2004 A national and international reputation (Prince Claus Award, Arts and Culture Trust, Architects Award, Khula Award) Most celebrated community museum in the country

District Six Museum Strengths Linked to civic/ land movement Recognition of memory and History Custom designed Self articulated Grassroots character Local, national and international character Research and intellectual focus A community in charge of its own interpretation.

Intersections and layers A combination of these functions probably makes for good community heritage work. At the centre of it all is Memory and an engagement with history.

Coming Home I

People Matter

Youth Programmes National Heritage Ambassadors Reimagine Carnival and Homecoming Festival Youth Club Archeology Kit Memory Boxes

Public Programmes Public Education Open Days Exhibition openings Lectures, film screenings Reunions and gatherings

Performance Programming Music Heritage Projects District Six Museum Band Reminiscence Theatre Reimagining Carnival

Supporting Business Development Business plan development Crafts and products New Tours Skills Development Music CD Publications

Marking the landscape

District Six Memorial Park The Memorial Park promises to be a barometer of our success, in showing how far we have come, and how far we have still to travel together.

A National Heritage of Forced Removals A National Symbol of Forced Removals and the disposession of land. Restitution museums as vehicles of development arts and culture as vehicles of development Sites of conscience Human Rights work

A National Heritage Site in 2005

Coming Home II 2000 returnee families will contribute to urban regeneration In 2003 the first 24 houses were built. Another 100 returnees have been named

Coming Home III The First nine families are now entrenched in new homes. A new community is forming. Another 15 received symbolic keys on Friday 11 February 2005.

Community Complex

Building Cultural Assets Homecoming Centre Education space Conservation space Exhibition space Local craft innovation, eg. Carnival Community Theatre Commercial shopfront

Indicators for Success Redevelopment of District Six City Bowl Improvement Initiatives Base for Cape Township Tour Provincial Tourism Magnet Nomination as National Heritage Site Strong Museum Networks, eg. SAMA, International Coalition of Historic Site Museums of Conscience

Community Musuem Advocacy Tramway Road Protea Village (Kirstenbosch) Manenberg People’s Centre Langa Heritage Museum Ndabeni South End East Bank Sophiatown Cato Manor Paternoster

Challenges for Emerging Sector Strengthen local knowledge base Integrate community concerns and needs Build defences against tourist gaze Build self-articulation Build partnerships from independent position Civil society is the crucible of citizenship.

Leveraging Support and Partnerships Potential for partnership with national government A contribition to the National Estate High visibility International profile

Challenges for sustainability Reduce reliance on foreign donors Ad hoc state support No National, Provincial or Metropolitan policy framework for community museums and heritage Need enabling framework for Community Museums

An Emerging Sector Emergence linked to social transformation Projects reclaiming citizenship through history Coincides with growing tourism opportunities/ dependence Needs intellectual and other capacities

Optimistic Future Scenario Stronger independent sector Links to local civil society Mobilising memory for civic dialogue and action Tourism as positive spinoff effect Strong enabling environment

Vision A forward looking institution mobilising memory for the future A National Heritage Site Museum Inviting new partnerships A city of people, not races An international site of conscience

Summary An enabling policy framework for community museum with a national brief Not a burden to the state