I'm so thrilled to see the overwhelming support for the #StatueforMaudGonne project. We now stand at £15K raised, with four days to go. This statue will be such a fitting tribute to Maud Gonne’s enduring legacy and the values she stood for.
Public statues are different to all other art, bringing powerful symbols of cultural heritage, historical memory, and communal values right out onto the street.
As a historical novelist, I love the tangible connection to the past and the identity, community, and continuity that only public art can foster. And as a teacher, I love how statues act as educational tools, sparking curiosity and learning about historical figures and their contributions.
In an ever-changing world, public statues remind us of our shared history and the movements that have shaped our society.
The Maud Gonne Statue
A statue of Maud Gonne is especially significant because of her multifaceted contributions to Irish independence, social justice, and women's rights. It will commemorate her tireless efforts and sacrifices and highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in history.
And show that women don't have to be perfect to be honoured.
Maud Gonne was a complex and controversial figure whose life and legacy prompt important questions about whom society chooses to honor and the double standards that often discredit women in ways that men do not face.
Despite her significant contributions to Irish nationalism and human rights, Gonne’s personal life, including her relationships and political views, were frequently scrutinized and used to undermine her public work.
This scrutiny highlights the persistent gender biases that affect how women leaders are perceived and remembered. Fact correction around this, and learnings around other issues arising from Gonne's activism, artistic interests, and occult explorations will form part of our education and advocacy efforts.
Setting Up the Maud Gonne Society
Establishing the Maud Gonne Society is the logical next step in helping us to do all this statue can do.
We need to create an entity to manage the statue project anyway… and inviting a community of members around that committee to support the endeavours will be sustaining, and increase the accessibility and impact.
I am excited about how we will preserve and promote Maud Gonne's values of independence, human rights, and social justice for all, especially women, children and prisoners in Ireland.
Gonne's life and work provide rich material for examining the intersections of gender, nationalism, and colonialism historically and today.
Together, the statue and the society will ensure that Maud Gonne's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Maud Gonne Society: Mission Statement & Objectives
The Maud Gonne Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Madame Maud Gonne MacBride, focusing on her commitment to independence, human rights, and social justice for all, particularly women, children, and prisoners.
Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to honour and continue the profound impact of her work for Irish society at home and abroad.
Objectives
1. Preserve and Promote Maud Gonne's Legacy:
Historical Documentation: Collect, preserve, and make accessible materials related to Maud Gonne's life and work, including letters, photographs, writings, and artifacts.
Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about Maud Gonne’s contributions to women's rights and social justice as well as Irish nationalism, through publications, exhibitions, and public lectures.
2. Education and Advocacy:
Educational Programs: Develop and offer educational programs that teach about Maud Gonne's life, her advocacy for human rights, and her impact on Irish history.
Advocacy Efforts: Advocate for issues that Maud Gonne was passionate about, including women's rights, children's welfare, and prisoner rights, aligning with modern movements and needs.
3. Community Engagement:
Membership Programs: Build a strong community of members who support the society’s mission and participate in its activities.
Public Events: Organize public events such as lectures, workshops, and cultural festivals to engage the community and promote dialogue on relevant social issues.
4. Manage the #StatueforMaudGonne Project:
Project Management: Oversee the application process for the #StatueforMaudGonne project, ensuring it reflects her legacy and significance in Irish history.
Fundraising: Conduct fundraising campaigns to support the statue project and other society initiatives.
Public Involvement: Involve the public in the project through consultations, competitions for design ideas, and educational outreach.
Maud Gonne Society: Membership Benefits
Annual Membership:
- Access to Exclusive Content: Members gain access to a digital archive of Maud Gonne’s works and related historical materials.
- Monthly Newsletters: Regular updates on society activities, upcoming events, and new educational resources.
- Event Invitations: Invitations to special events, including lectures, cultural festivals, and member-only gatherings.
- Discounts on Merchandise: Exclusive discounts on Maud Gonne Society merchandise and publications.
Lifetime Membership:
- Lifetime Access to Archives: Unlimited access to an extensive digital and physical archive of materials related to Maud Gonne’s life and legacy.
- Annual Special Edition Publications: Receive an annual special edition publication focusing on different aspects of Irish history and Maud Gonne’s contributions.
- VIP Event Invitations: VIP access to all society events, including exclusive tours and special gatherings.
- Recognition as a Patron: Lifetime members will be acknowledged as patrons on the society’s website and at events.
- Exclusive Merchandise Package: Receive a limited edition merchandise package available only to lifetime members.
Maud Gonne Society: Organizational Structure
Board of Directors:
Comprised of historians, educators, activists, and community leaders dedicated to furthering the society’s mission.
Advisory Council:
Includes descendants of Maud Gonne, prominent figures in Irish culture, feminist activists, and human rights advocates who provide strategic guidance and support.
Operational Teams:
Education Team: Develops and implements educational programs and resources.
Advocacy Team: Leads efforts to promote social justice initiatives aligned with Maud Gonne’s legacy.
Membership and Community Engagement Team: Manages membership programs and community outreach activities.
Fundraising and Development Team: Oversees fundraising campaigns and donor relations.
Contact Information