Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery Awarded Grant by 3L for Historic Exhibition, Sanibonani

The Lwai-Lume Legacy Foundation (3L) is thrilled to announce our inaugural grant, awarded to The Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery in San Francisco. This grant supports the upcoming group show, Sanibonani, marking a historical moment in the international art scene. The foundation's commitment aligns with our mission to promote personal, professional, and community development through compassionate social and civil engagement, fostering the potential of our grantees to make a lasting difference in the world​1​.

Sanibonani, a Zulu greeting meaning "we see you," serves as an acknowledgment and a celebration of existence. This show will feature works from renowned Black queer South African artist Zanele Muholi and their students from the Muholi Art Institute. This exhibition marks the first time that Zanele Muholi and their students will be exhibiting together outside of South Africa, making international history.

Zanele Muholi, known for their powerful exhibitions at institutions like the Tate Modern, Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Seattle Art Museum, LACMA, Biennale Arte 2019, and with an upcoming solo exhibition at SFMOMA, will be joined by students Lulu Mhlana, Collen Mfazwe, Nkosi Ngiphile, Mellisa Mbambo, and Sipho Nuse. All the exhibiting artists are Black South African artists who identify as queer. The works to be displayed are intimate and meaningful photographic portraits capturing personal moments and spaces, further solidifying the visibility of the artists and their community.

Thomas Igeme, our Board President and Founder, shares his personal excitement for this grant: "The upcoming Sanibonani exhibition is not only personally meaningful but also beautifully aligned with the foundation's mission. It encapsulates the spirit of our work – promoting community development through compassionate social and civil engagement. San Francisco has become a second home to our family, and we are incredibly excited to be making this investment in its vibrant cultural scene. We are confident that this grant will enable The Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery to continue its remarkable work, providing artists with a platform to share their unique perspectives and contributing to the city's rich artistic life."

As we look forward to the historic opening of Sanibonani this June, we are reminded of our commitment to a brighter future, built on the principles of compassion, acceptance, and respect, where every individual can freely express their identity and creativity.