September 27 - 01 October 02 2026

Kids Programme

From 27 September  to 01October, Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria presents an exciting Spring edition of the Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme, inviting children aged 7–15 to explore contemporary art through experimentation, collaboration, and hands-on learning during the school holidays.

This installment promises an exciting week of hands-on creative learning inspired by our exhibition, Orchard of the Imagination: Selections fromThe Brenthurst Collection of Southern African Art, which features Southern African material culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries celebrated as living knowledge. Kids will be introduced to heritage conservation and art-making techniques including traditional beadwork, artefact stabilisation, careful object cleaning, and exploring how cultural materials hold memory and belief. 

Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme offers a fun, safe, and enriching environment which nurtures the next generation of creative thinkers. The programme provides children an engaging space to experiment with artmaking, storytelling, performance, and creative collaboration while building confidence, curiosity, and cultural awareness. It’s five days of inspiration, imagination, and self-discovery!

Programme Schedule

Day 1 | Family Day Edition 

Sunday, 27 September | 13:00–15:00

Kick off the Holiday Art Programme with a family-friendly basket weaving workshop led by Dr. Adéle Addendorf. Gather your family for a hands-on creative session where each child works side by side with a parent or grandparent to weave a small round basket using a card loom. No prior experience is required—if you can braid hair, you already have the necessary skills! Every young participant must be accompanied by an adult who actively joins in the art-making, ensuring everyone departs with a unique handmade piece.

Day 2: Sculpting Cultural Figurines

Monday, 28 September | 09:00–13:00

Facilitated by Warona

Drawing inspiration from cultural artifacts within the gallery spaces, participants will learn the foundational techniques of figure sculpting and collage building. Using a dynamic mix of papier-mâché, vividly patterned fabrics, and traditional beadwork, children will construct and bind their own imaginative figures. This hands-on session encourages material experimentation while fostering a deeper appreciation for structural craftsmanship and cultural history.

Day 3: Cultural Figurines Painting

Tuesday, 29 September | 09:00–13:00

Facilitated by Thandiey

Building on the sculptural foundations established on Day 1, learners will explore how traditional motifs represent living knowledge passed down through generations. Inspired by the Brenthurst Collection and the rich heritage of Ndebele geometric painting, participants will bring their papier-mâché figures to life using vibrant colours and traditional patterns. The workshop includes guided reflections on the symbolism of colour choices and the importance of conservation, teaching children to handle artifacts with care while using historical patterns to express their unique identities.

Day 4: Accessory Making 

Wednesday, 30 September | 09:00–13:00

Facilitated by Monica Machabe

Drawing inspiration from the intricate beadwork featured in the Orchards of the Imagination exhibition, learners will delve into the symbolism, shapes, and storytelling embedded in traditional craftsmanship. Participants will conceptualize and create their own cultural adornments (such as headbands, bracelets, or wearable fabric art) by mapping out and pasting colourful beads into striking two-dimensional designs. This session allows children to play with colour, composition, and placement, empowering them to craft a visual narrative that represents their personal or imagined cultural heritage.

Day 5: Coaster Collage Creation

Thursday, 01 October | 09:00–13:00

Facilitated by Abdullah Akram

The collaborative final day introduces the concept of functional art, challenging the idea that creativity is purely decorative. Referencing everyday historical artifacts like the wooden headrests found in the Orchard of the Imagination exhibition, learners will explore how art can serve a practical, everyday purpose. Participants will design and paint their own sets of wooden coasters, drawing upon the Ndebele motifs and personal cultural patterns explored throughout the week. The programme will conclude with a reflective session where children can share the inspiration behind their designs, celebrating art as both a decorative medium and a living, functional part of daily life.

This programme is made possible by the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

Booking Information

Bookings for the Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme are now open. Parents and guardians are encouraged to secure tickets early, as promotional offers and early bird specials are subject to availability.

Ticket Options

1 Day Pass - R250

2 Day Pass - R400

3 Day Pass - R550

4 Day Pass - R650

5 Day Pass - R750 (earlybird R700)

2 Sibling Special 5 Day Pass- R1400 (earlybird R1300)

Lunch packs offered at an additional cost of R100

Each Ticket Includes

Access to the programme

Art materials

Participation in workshop activities

CLICK TO BOOK TICKETS ON Webtickets.

Times

Day 1 (Family Day): Sunday, 28 June | 13:00–15:00

Day 2–5 Workshops: 09:00–13:00 daily

Drop-off from 08:30

Collection at 13:00

Please Note

Unless an additional lunch pack ticket is purchased, participants must bring their own packed lunch and refreshments.

Each ticket may be used on any programme day.

Safety & Security

The safety of all participants is a priority at the Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme. All children will be supervised by facilitators and staff throughout the programme, with daily sign-in/sign-out procedures and on-site security measures in place. Only authorised guardians will be permitted to collect participants. Parents are encouraged to share any medical or accessibility information during registration.