DEATH OF PROF ALAN CRUMP

National Arts Festival grieves the loss of a pioneer.

South African academic, artist and one of the pioneering members of the National Arts Festival Committee, Professor Alan Crump, passed away over the last weekend after a long battle with illness, shortly after celebrating his 60th birthday.

“His spirit will live on in his commandeering of the Festival Committee and through his academic and other endeavours. His was an inclusive yet firm leadership. Even after he retired as Festival Committee chairperson, his larger than life presence was always felt,” said Festival Committee chairperson, Dr. Sibongile Khumalo.

According to Festival Director Ismail Mahomed, Crump had firmly established himself as an authority on visual arts, as well as being one of the finest water-colourists that South Africa has ever produced. “His legacy is celebrated by the consultative role that he played in so many arts organisations and in particular, for his visionary and passionate chairmanship during the early years of the National Arts Festival,” said Mahomed.

He joined the National Arts Festival Committee in 1984 and was the chairperson of the then Standard Bank National Arts Festival from 1990 to 1999. “Alan’s contribution to the growth of the Festival is immeasurable” said Lynette Marais, past Festival Director.

“We are saddened at his passing away, but we remember an extraordinary man, a remarkable visionary and a fine academic whose generosity of spirit has positioned the National Arts Festival to become the magnet that each year retains its reputation for being the continent’s largest arts and cultural celebration,” said Mahomed.

“We will always remember him,” added Dr Sibongile Khumalo.