Young artists turn environmental vision into winning works

Paintbrushes, pencils and plenty of imagination have brought powerful environmental messages to life in the hands of KwaZulu-Natal learners. After weeks of creating art that speaks to sustainability and inspires community conversations, the 2025 ARTopia School Arts Project has unveiled its winners - young artists whose work resonated with the public. Their designs will now step off the canvas and into everyday life, thanks to a special shopper reward initiative at Liberty Midlands Mall.

The winners are:

1st Winning School: Deccan Road Primary School (Anamika Maikoo, Grade 1)

2nd Winning School: Toybox School (Anesu Ngcobo, Grade 3)

3rd Winning School: Athlone Primary School (Natara Govender, Grade 7)

Each of these learners presented a distinct and imaginative perspective on sustainability. Their art pieces will now be printed onto a collection of limited-edition eco-friendly tote bags, giving shoppers a tangible way to enjoy the project’s environmental vision. Their schools have each won R 10 000, based on the number of votes their learners’ artworks received.

The top three winners in each category walked away with shopping vouchers, book hampers, and other prizes, while runners-up also received vouchers and gift packs.

A platform for young voices

Earlier phases of the project saw more than 300 learners from Grade 1 to 7 across Pietermaritzburg submit original artworks highlighting themes such as recycling, green spaces and clean energy. During July, the mall hosted a public exhibition in the centre court, offering visitors a chance to view the artworks and vote for their favourites.

The exhibition drew wide participation from schools, families and shoppers, and served as a platform not only for artistic expression but also for meaningful community dialogue around sustainability. The voting process ensured that the public played an active role in selecting the final winners.

Collect a limited-edition tote bag

From 16 to 31 August, shoppers can qualify to receive one of three reusable tote bags featuring the winning designs. 

These reusable bags are a creative extension of the campaign’s environmental message and a celebration of the young artists’ efforts to influence change through visual storytelling.

“ARTopia has been an inspiring project that brought the community together in support of both the arts and the environment,” said Lawrence Joubert, the mall's general manager. “We are proud to recognise the talent and vision of these young learners and to give their work a platform that lives beyond the exhibition.”