New life to be breathed into Alte Fest
Following 2 601 respondents’ input on what could be done with the Alte Feste, 86% of respondents agreed that the building should be turned into an art, culture and heritage centre.A media release by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture noted that the Alte Feste is the oldest building in Windhoek of significant historical value. After being declared a national monument in 1957, it was turned into the national museum of Namibia after independence.
However, only limited maintenance was carried out and the building became severely dilapidated and is currently in need of large-scale renovations.
It was in light of this that in October and November last year, the ministry ran an online survey, asking the general public for input on the repurposing of the building.
"Out of the 2 601 respondents comprising 54% female and 46% male respondents, over 80% saw the Alte Feste as an important cultural, historical and / or monument building that is necessary for Namibian society," the ministry said.
"Notably, 86% of the respondents agreed that the building should be turned into an art, culture and heritage centre that will benefit all Namibians, while 90% of the total respondents indicated that Namibians should benefit from the repurposing of the Alte Feste."
The ministry said that the envisaged repurposing provides an opportunity to change the old and set a future narrative that brings Namibians of all indigenous groups, mixed heritage and European descendant groups together to cement Namibia's democracy and unity of purpose.
"The key objective is to contribute to the development of the cultural and creative sector in Namibia by providing space and a platform for creative, cultural and craft businesses, especially those mainly led by youth rural women and vulnerable groups to generate income and improve their livelihoods.”
Given these objectives, the ministry entered into a 10-year agreement with the Namibia Arts, Crafts and Design (NACD), which currently manages the Craft Centre, to establish and maintain an Arts, Crafts and Heritage Centre of excellence at the Alte Feste.
The partnership includes renovations and management of the redefined complex. The envisaged inclusions in the new space include a craft market, gallery, museum, training workshop and studios, restaurants and event spaces.
"The ministry and NACD will collaborate to raise funds for the implementation of the project in a phased approach. During the first phase, it is hoped to stabilise and make the monument useable to start craft activities, while more fundraising will be done to complete the project over the next two years.”