Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso's Sentebale charity is all set to make a significant impact with an art exhibition in New York City. PEOPLE has the exclusive scoop that Sentebale has joined hands with Ki Smith Gallery for an art exhibition titled “Friend.” This exhibition, which opens to the public on Saturday, Dec. 14, and runs until Jan. 19, is free to attend, with an option for visitors to make on-site donations to Sentebale. The public can RSVP through the gallery's website.

Uniting Art and Philanthropy for a Noble Cause

Partnership with Ki Smith Gallery

The collaboration between Sentebale and Ki Smith Gallery holds great significance for the organization. As stated in a shared statement with PEOPLE, having Ki join them in Lesotho last October to witness Sentebale's work firsthand and experience the creativity and determination of the young people they serve was a truly special moment. “Friend” makes art accessible to everyone, which resonates deeply with Sentebale's ethos of leaving no one behind. This exhibition captures the spirit of inclusivity and community that lies at the heart of both Sentebale and the Ki Smith Gallery. Sharing art as a powerful force for connection and change is truly inspiring.The Duke of Sussex will attend an intimate launch party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to officially kick off the exhibit. This partnership showcases the power of coming together to create meaningful change.

Supporting Southern African Youth

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso established Sentebale in 2006 in memory of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. Sentebale means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language, representing a pledge to remember the most vulnerable youth in the region. Its name also links the charity to Princess Diana, as forget-me-nots were her favorite flower.Sentebale works to support children and young people in Southern Africa, covering various aspects such as healthcare, education, vocational training, climate resilience, and life skills. By donating the proceeds from “Friend” to Sentebale, Smith hopes to reimagine the intersection of art and impact, effortlessly connecting philanthropy and high art.

Iconic Artworks on Display

The showcase will feature iconic works by renowned artists. Frank Stella's (Blyvoors, 1982, from the acclaimed South African Mine series) works add a unique touch. Bridget Riley's seminal black-and-white works, key to the Op Art movement, are also part of the exhibition. Tadaaki Kuwayama's 1980s series, presented for the first time in 40 years, is a highlight. Additionally, artists like Rakuko Naito, Agnes Martin, Sono Kuwayama, Dylan Reitz-Cruz, Taiji Terasaki, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Richard Hambleton, and Sang Eun will showcase their art.The display's welcoming name was inspired by the spirit of friendship, which is a key theme for both the Lower East Side gallery and Sentebale's work. Smith named the exhibit in honor of his late grandfather, Kuwayama, who was affectionately called “Friend” by his grandchildren, and whose work will be on view.

Impact and Mission

When Ki Smith first learned about Sentebale, he was struck by their innovative and community-driven approach to tackling the world's most pressing challenges affecting the next generation. The ethos of Sentebale aligns perfectly with the values of the gallery: collaboration, optimism, and empowering the next generation.The gallerist recently joined Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho in October. This trip reunited the princes with local Sentebale leaders and highlighted programs to philanthropists and corporate foundations. The Duke of Sussex's trip included visits to Mamohato Children's Centre, a heartfelt fireside chat, a day in Leribe to see programs championing young people, and a private panel discussion about strengthening the next generation.Prince Harry emphasized the importance of creating a platform for young voices. “Friend” at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City opens on Dec. 14 and runs until Jan. 19. Members of the public can RSVP to attend via kismithgallery.com.Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Sentebale Board Chair, stated that Ki Smith's visionary approach to merging art and philanthropy is deeply impactful. By showcasing works of such high caliber artists and making them accessible while telling the story of the promise and power of Africa's youth through Sentebale, we see the power of friendships beyond borders. Africa's young people are set to make up a significant portion of the world's youth population by 2050, and many struggle with access to healthcare, skills, and employment. Collaborations like this help engage new communities and unlock innovative funding for Sentebale programs to uplift youngsters in Lesotho and Botswana.