Pietermaritzburg, 17 June 2025 – Liberty Midlands Mall is giving young Pietermaritzburg creatives a reason to pick up their paintbrushes — and make a difference while they’re at it. The mall has announced the launch of its ARTopia School Arts Project, a bold, eco-themed art competition aimed at inspiring local primary school learners to get serious about sustainability through visual arts.

This year’s edition, "Sustainable Strokes," challenges learners from Grades 1 to 7 to express their views on environmental issues through artwork made using recycled and eco-friendly materials. Climate change, conservation, renewable energy, and the future of our planet are just a few of the topics these young artists are set to tackle.

Creative Expression Meets Climate Conversation

At its core, ARTopia is about more than winning prizes — though with R30 000 up for grabs, it’s a sweet incentive. It’s a platform for youth to visually unpack and challenge the environmental issues shaping their future. The initiative ensures kids learn that activism isn’t just protest — it can be art, creativity, and community engagement too.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager at Liberty Midlands Mall, puts it plainly: “We want these learners to see their creative talents as tools for change. The ARTopia School Arts Project offers them that opportunity.”

How It’s Rolling Out

Phase 1 – Art Creation (Now until 27 June 2025):
Learners at participating schools are in the thick of producing artworks using recycled paper and eco-friendly materials provided by the organisers.

Phase 2 – Public Exhibition (1–14 July 2025):
Up to 15 artworks per category from each school will be displayed at Liberty Midlands Mall. The public will be invited to view and vote for their favourites, making the local community an active part of this youth-driven eco-dialogue.

Phase 3 – Winner Reveal:
Winners will be crowned based on public votes, and their artworks immortalised on canvas tote bags — because what’s a better trophy than seeing your art out in the real world?

Save These Dates:

• Final submissions: by 27 June 2025
• Public Exhibition: 1–14 July 2025

For entry details, contact: Ronael Seyambu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow Liberty Midlands Mall online at www.midlandsmall.co.za or @libertymidlandsmall across socials.

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