Pietermaritzburg, 10 July 2026: Liberty Midlands Mall’s Centre Court has transformed into a vibrant public gallery as ARTopia 2026 officially welcomes visitors to experience this year’s spectacular “Ocean Odyssey” themed school art exhibition. Following a record-breaking response, 23 schools from Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands have contributed an impressive 652 artworks, making this the mall’s biggest ARTopia exhibition to date.
Now on until Sunday, 19 July, the exhibition celebrates the creativity and imagination of learners from grades 1 to 7, whose interpretations of life beneath the ocean have turned the mall into an immersive celebration of colour, storytelling and artistic talent.
A Gallery Filled With Imagination
From colourful coral reefs and marine life to mythical underwater creatures, hidden treasure and imaginative ocean adventures, every artwork offers a unique perspective on this year’s Ocean Odyssey theme. Visitors can wander through the exhibition at their own pace, taking in a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, collages and mixed-media creations. Each piece reflects the creativity, talent and individuality of the young artists who have brought the exhibition to life.
Every Vote Counts
Shoppers are encouraged to support the participating schools by voting for their favourite artworks throughout the exhibition.
Voting is simple:
- Shop at any Liberty Midlands Mall store.
- Recycle your till slip at the ARTopia exhibition by writing your name & number on the back.
- Then, cast your vote for your favourite artwork by adding the code of the artwork you’re voting for.
- Drop it into the voting box, and you have done your part
Schools are competing for a share of R45 000 in cash prizes, with the winning school in each of the three categories receiving R15 000. As an added incentive, one lucky shopper who casts a valid vote will win a R2 000 Liberty Midlands Mall Gift Card.
The excitement doesn’t end there. The three overall winning artworks will be transformed into exclusive ARTopia merchandise, including colouring books, pencil cases and sling bags, which will be introduced during the campaign’s third phase, ensuring these young artists leave a lasting legacy beyond the exhibition.
Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Liberty Midlands Mall, says the exhibition has exceeded expectations.
“ARTopia continues to grow each year, and seeing 23 schools and 652 young artists represented in our Centre Court is something we’re incredibly proud of. The exhibition is a celebration of creativity, community and young talent, and we encourage everyone to visit, enjoy the incredible artwork and support these learners by casting a vote.”
The ARTopia Ocean Odyssey exhibition is open daily at Liberty Midlands Mall until 19 July 2026, offering families, shoppers and art lovers the opportunity to celebrate local creativity while helping schools compete for their share of the prize money.
For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and upcoming events, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow @libertymidlandsmall on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.