Liberty Midlands Mall Launches ARTopia School Arts Project

Inspiring Young Artists To Embrace Sustainability Through Visual Arts

Pietermaritzburg, 17 June 2025 – In a commendable move towards promoting eco-consciousness among the youth, Liberty Midlands Mall has officially launched the ARTopia School Arts Project — a dynamic, environmentally themed visual arts initiative for primary school learners in Pietermaritzburg. This year’s edition, aptly titled “Sustainable Strokes,” invites students from Grades 1 to 7 to express their views on pressing environmental topics through original, creative artworks.

The initiative fuses artistic expression with environmental awareness, offering learners an engaging platform to interpret sustainability, climate change, conservation, and renewable energy through their own creative lenses.

A Creative Platform With A Purpose

The ARTopia School Arts Project isn’t merely a contest; it’s a vehicle for environmental education and creative expression. Participating students are required to use recycled paper and eco-friendly materials to craft original pieces of art that confront issues like recycling, the impact of climate change, conservation efforts, and the prospects of a sustainable future.

With a total of R30,000 in cash prizes up for grabs—split into R10,000 per winning school—and additional prizes planned, the stakes are high. The competition aims not just to reward artistic merit but to embed sustainable values in young minds in an imaginative and lasting manner.

Key Campaign Phases

Phase 1 – Artwork Creation (Now until 27 June 2025):
Participating learners, from Grade 1 through Grade 7, are currently creating artworks using recycled materials, with submissions closing on 27 June 2025.

Phase 2 – Public Exhibition (1–14 July 2025):
A curated selection of artworks—up to 15 per category from each participating school—will be showcased at Liberty Midlands Mall. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite pieces, engaging the community in this youth-led conversation on sustainability.

Phase 3 – Winners Announced:
Winning entries, as determined by public vote, will be featured on limited-edition canvas tote bags—a collectable nod to eco-conscious living. These will be distributed at Liberty Midlands Mall, ensuring young artists see their work translated into functional, meaningful keepsakes.

Building Tomorrow’s Thought Leaders

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager at Liberty Midlands Mall, stated, “The ARTopia School Arts Project offers learners a platform to showcase their creativity while engaging deeply with the concept of sustainability. We’re eager to witness the powerful messages these young artists will convey through their work and to celebrate their talent through our public exhibition. This is one of many ways we strive to support impactful, community-driven initiatives in the Midlands.”

Key Dates To Remember:

• Final artwork submissions: by 27 June 2025

• ARTopia Exhibition: 1–14 July 2025

For more information on how to participate, contact Ronael Seyambu at Ronael.Seyambu@epsgroup.co.za. Learn more about Liberty Midlands Mall and its community initiatives via www.midlandsmall.co.za or follow @libertymidlandsmall on social media.