For the next generation of young creatives in Pretoria, the walls of a shopping mall are becoming something far more meaningful than retail space — they are becoming a gallery, a celebration, and for many learners, the very first public stage for their imagination.
From 22 to 31 May 2026, Woodlands Boulevard will once again transform into a vibrant canvas of colour, creativity and youthful storytelling as it hosts the 4th Annual Primary Schools’ Art Exhibit — a growing community initiative that places the artistic talents of children aged 5 to 13 directly in the public spotlight.
Now in its fourth year, the exhibition has evolved into one of Pretoria’s most heartwarming community showcases, bringing together families, schools and young artists from across the city in a celebration of creativity that stretches far beyond the classroom.
And this year’s showcase promises to be its biggest yet.
A Mall Filled with Young Imagination
Throughout the mall, artwork created by learners from 18 participating primary schools will line walkways and public spaces, creating an immersive exhibition that captures the unfiltered creativity of children from Grade 0 through to Grade 7.
Each participating school contributes up to 20 art pieces per grade, resulting in hundreds of artworks displayed across the shopping centre during the exhibition period.
For many learners, this marks the first time their artwork will be viewed outside the familiar walls of their schools — an experience organisers believe carries lasting emotional value.
Barbara Perry, Marketing Manager at Woodlands Boulevard, says the exhibition is about far more than displaying drawings and paintings.
“Art gives children a voice that extends well beyond the classroom, and there is something quite special about seeing that work displayed in a shared public space.”
She added that recognition plays a powerful role in nurturing confidence and creativity among young learners.
“For a lot of these children, this is the first time their work has been seen by anyone outside their school. We believe that kind of recognition matters, and it is why this exhibition has become such an important part of what we do for our community.”
Schools Across Pretoria Join the Celebration
This year’s participating schools reflect a broad cross-section of Pretoria’s educational landscape, bringing together learners from a wide variety of cultural and academic backgrounds.
Participating schools include:
- American International School of Johannesburg Pretoria Campus
- British Royal College
- Curro Hazeldean
- Hatfield Christian Primary School
- Kingdom School Equestria
- Kingsland Academy
- Laerskool Anton van Wouw
- Laerskool Elarduspark
- Laerskool Garsfontein
- Laerskool Menlopark
- Laerskool Tygerpoort
- Pretoria French School
- Pure Hope School
- Reddford House The Hills
- Royal Schools Princess Park
- Tomorrow’s People
- Waterkloof House Preparatory School
- Woodhill College
Together, the schools represent hundreds of young artists whose work will be shared with thousands of visitors over the course of the exhibition.
Competition, Community and Creative Confidence
Adding excitement to the event, Thunder Valley Spur — located at Entrance 2 of Woodlands Boulevard — returns as the official sponsor of the exhibition’s prize categories.
Food voucher prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in every grade.
For Grades 0 to 3:
- First Place: R500
- Second Place: R400
- Third Place: R300
For Grades 4 to 7:
- First Place: R1 000
- Second Place: R800
- Third Place: R600
In addition, the school whose learners receive the highest overall recognition will walk away with a R10 000 grand prize.
Prize-giving will take place at the mall on Thursday, 28 May 2026, with schools being informed of winners by Tuesday, 26 May.
More Than an Exhibition
While the competition element brings excitement, organisers say the true value of the exhibit lies in the atmosphere it creates for families and the wider community.
For parents, grandparents and visitors, the exhibition offers something increasingly rare — a free, meaningful outing built around creativity, pride and shared celebration.
It is the kind of event where children excitedly point out their own masterpieces, families slowly wander from display to display, and young artists experience the joy of being seen and celebrated.
The 4th Annual Primary Schools’ Art Exhibit runs from 22 to 31 May 2026 during normal trading hours at Woodlands Boulevard in Pretoria. Entry is free.
For more information visit Woodlands Boulevard
