Celebrating the Winning Artworks From the 2025 ARTopia School Arts Project

Pietermaritzburg, 12 August 2025 – The 2025 ARTopia School Arts Project at Liberty Midlands Mall has officially reached its final stage, revealing the winning learners whose artistic talent and environmental storytelling captivated the public. This creative journey, which united community participation and youth-led messaging around sustainability, now concludes with an innovative shopper reward initiative that transforms the winning artworks into limited-edition, eco-friendly tote bags.

The Winners:
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 winning artwork offers a unique perspective on sustainability, now immortalised on a series of reusable tote bags that combine everyday practicality with environmental advocacy. In addition to having their work featured, each school receives R10 000, determined by the public voting results.

Prizes Included:

• Top 3 Category Winners: R1 000 Midlands Mall shopping voucher, a Yokico hamper, plus hampers and gift cards from Bargain Books, CUM Books, Exclusive Books, McDonald’s, and Standard Bank.
• Runners-Up: Midlands Mall vouchers and hampers from Bargain Books, CUM Books, Exclusive Books, and Standard Bank.

A Platform for Young Voices

Earlier this year, more than 300 learners from Grade 1 to 7 across Pietermaritzburg submitted original works exploring themes like recycling, green spaces, and clean energy. Liberty Midlands Mall hosted a month-long exhibition in July, showcasing the pieces in the centre court and inviting shoppers to vote for their favourites. This exhibition not only celebrated creativity but also stimulated community dialogue on sustainability, ensuring the public played a decisive role in selecting the winners.

Collect a Limited-Edition Tote Bag

From 16 to 31 August, shoppers who spend R350 or more at any Midlands Mall store can claim one of the three exclusive tote bags. Shoppers can redeem them at the activation station by presenting their till slips, meeting the young artists, and taking home a piece of art with a purpose – while stocks last.

These reusable bags serve as a creative reminder of the environmental responsibility we all share, inspired by the imagination of tomorrow’s change-makers.

“ARTopia has been an inspiring project that brought the community together in support of both the arts and the environment,” said Lawrence Joubert, General Manager at Liberty Midlands Mall. “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.”

With the final phase underway, Liberty Midlands Mall closes this year’s ARTopia campaign by putting meaningful art directly into the hands of the community – inspiring conscious consumer choices and honouring youth voices in sustainability.

For more information, contact Ronael Seyambu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit midlandsmall.co.za. Follow @libertymidlandsmall on social media for updates.

Your support makes stories like this possible!

Underground Press relies entirely on your generosity, enabling us to report on the entertainment industry, free of charge and independently. Your contribution ensures millions worldwide can continue to visit our site for amazing content from around the web.
*Currency in South African Rands (ZAR)