Montrose Primary School was a creative and colourful hub on May 8 when it hosted the Gauteng Art for Public Schools (GAPS) Visual Art Festival.
The event brought together learners from Bryneven, Midrand, Mikateka, Wendywood, and Halfway House primary schools in a celebration of young talent.
Montrose Primary School’s hall was lined with artwork inspired by this term’s theme: Landscapes of South Africa.
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Learners explored the beauty of our country, from the lush hills of Limpopo, to the tranquil shores of the Western Cape, through pencil sketches, charcoal drawings, and colourful paintings.
According to Nyeleti Majuba, from GAPS, many drew inspiration from South African masters like Irma Stern and Isabel Le Roux, translating their surroundings into powerful visual narratives. “The festival was not just an exhibition; it was a joyful expression of identity, environment, and imagination, showcasing the extraordinary creativity of children when given the right tools and encouragement.”
She added that GAPS, the non-profit behind the event, was founded in 2022 with a clear mission: To integrate arts and culture into public school education, and ensure every learner has access to quality creative opportunities.
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“In many township and inner-city schools, children with artistic talent often go unnoticed because they lack access to resources or mentorship,” said Majuba. “We are here to change that… One brushstroke, performance, or poem at a time.”
GAPS has developed a range of initiatives to support learners and educators, including:
- Teacher development workshops: Training teachers to confidently lead lessons in visual arts, music, drama, dance, and English, aligned with the national CAPS curriculum.
- Inter-School arts festivals: Showcasing learners’ talents in visual arts, poetry, dance, drama, and public speaking.
- Grade R arts integration: Helping early childhood educators use art to support literacy and learning through play-based methods.
- Creative support initiatives: Donating materials, organising school outings, and hosting exhibitions to ensure every child’s creativity is nurtured and seen.
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Since its inception, GAPS has made impressive strides:
- 22 festivals hosted across 18 schools.
- 14 art boxes donated to under-resourced classrooms.
- 6 educator workshops benefiting over 30 teachers.
- 2 exhibitions featuring young learners’ work.
- Ongoing support for reading through art in Grade R classrooms.
To sustain and expand this important work, GAPS needs the support of the broader community. Contributions help provide:
- Art materials for underfunded schools.
- Transport and meals for learners attending festivals.
- More training opportunities for passionate teachers.
- Additional festivals and exhibitions across Gauteng.
“We believe every child in Gauteng deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and believe in their future,” concluded Majuba. “With the support of our community, we can make that a reality.”
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