In September 2009, the UFS received a generous grant from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) to develop and implement the Lotto Sculpture-on-Campus Project.

The project has allowed the University to commission artists to create a unique and permanent public sculpture collection on the Bloemfontein Campus of the university.

Its key focus is to set up diverse and site-specific sculptures that promote a greater understanding, respect and appreciation of cultural differences and installs a sense of belonging for all.

The project has been inspired by the creation of an array of humanised and humanising spaces, designed to enrich the educational and multicultural experience of students by stimulating intercultural dialogue and by providing a setting for historical discourse between past and future.

The project serves as a concrete reflection of the vision of the university, that is, to be an excellent, equitable, innovative and engaged university.

Artists and artworks

Over the course of two years, the project has had the privilege of acquiring and commissioning several artworks – most by leading South African sculptors – that have been positioned at different locations on campus.

• Willem Boshoff, Thinking Stone (installed in front of the Main Building next to the Red Square)