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.

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National Recognition for Creative Excellence

At last year’s SACSC Footprint Awards, Midlands Mall received four accolades for campaigns that blended imagination with thoughtful engagement. The Festive Artspace earned a silver award in the visual merchandising category and two bronze awards in sales, promotions and events, as well as for digital marketing. The much-loved Shop. Play. Win campaign added a further bronze award in the sales, promotions and events category. Together, these awards highlight the centre’s ability to create experiences that both resonate with visitors through creativity and intention and deliver tangible results.

Community Support That Inspires Pride

In addition to industry acclaim, the mall was recently voted the best mall in the 2025 Best of Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Readers’ Choice Awards. Thousands of residents participated in the voting process, which recognised leading businesses across the region. The win carries special significance as it reflects the voices of the very community the centre serves daily.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager at Midlands Mall, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “We are deeply proud of these awards because they speak to both our industry peers and the shoppers who visit us every day. Our team works with heart and purpose, and it is encouraging to see that reflected in the way our community and the SACSC have honoured us. These achievements motivate us to continue delivering experiences that feel warm, engaging and genuinely connected to the Midlands region.”

With both national and local recognition shaping this milestone, Midlands continues to strengthen its place as a trusted destination for retail and lifestyle experiences in the Pietermaritzburg area.

For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its projects, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

The post Pietermaritzburg Mall Celebrates a Standout Season of Awards appeared first on Stage and Screen.

A fresh Canvas for Festive Creativity

At the heart of this year’s festivities is The Festive Artspace – A Fresh Canvas, running daily from 12 to 24 December in the centre court. The space will invite visitors into a world shaped by colour and play where little artists can express themselves through an array of hands-on activities. Here, children can turn black and white pieces into colourful, vivid creations and indulge in everything from drawstring bag art to DIY sand bottles. Paint and sip sessions, alongside cloud dough fun, a giant Tic Tac Toe, a ball pond and oversized building blocks, will spark curiosity at every corner. In this space designed to offer families an uplifting pause in the middle of their shopping day, entry will be free.

Adding to the festive mood, the popular photos with Santa experience will return to the Wimpy court from 12 to 24 December. Families and friends are invited to share a warm moment with the bearded man and capture a keepsake that encapsulates the spirit of the season. Also in the Wimpy Court, the annual gift wrapping for charity initiative will support The Pietermaritzburg Community Chest with volunteers wrapping gifts and creating a simple way for shoppers to give back. Both activities will run daily from 11 am to 4 pm.

Seasonal Traditions Shaped With Care

To give shoppers extra time to select the perfect gift, the mall will once again offer extended shopping hours from 12 to 23 December, with most stores open from 9 am to 8 pm during this period. This additional time will give shoppers the opportunity to move at their own pace and enjoy a more relaxed experience as they prepare for the holidays.

A highlight of this year’s celebration is the striking 7.5 metre Disney Chari-Tree featuring dozens of Disney plush toys and the much-loved character Stitch. Beyond its visual appeal, the installation will encourage kindness by inviting shoppers to make a contribution towards Reach for a Dream.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Midlands Mall, said shoppers can expect a festive period shaped by connection and creativity: “The Festive Artspace celebrates the joy of spending quality time together, whether it is through creating a crafted art piece or simply enjoying a happy moment with loved ones.”

For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its projects, go to midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

The post Midlands Mall Unveils a Vibrant Festive Celebration for 2025 appeared first on Stage and Screen.