Teboho Setena
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein will mark this year’s Youth Day celebration on 16 June with the hosting of events featuring youths.
This will be under the theme “A Celebration of Heritage, Creativity, and Reflection” in commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, honouring the legacy of the young South Africans whose courage helped shape the country’s journey towards democracy.
“Youth Day is a time to recognise the enduring impact of youth in South Africa’s past, present, and future. Since its official declaration in 1994, Youth Day has become a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that young people continue to play in advocating for justice, equality, and freedom,” said Karen Marais, senior exhibition officer at the museum. Artist explores the power of dung
To mark this important day, the museum will be open from 10:00 to 15:00 for a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and togetherness – affording youth the opportunity to showcase their creativity in visual to performance art. The series of events ties with the exhibition Qula Kwedini, which closes on 16 June.
A solo exhibition by Mzie Gojo, this features beautifully crafted artworks from cow dung (manure). It is still open for viewing for the public to glean life lessons from. Gojo’s exhibition takes inspiration from the sacred song “Qula Kwedini” and incorporates culturally significant materials to create a tactile, immersive experience that bridges ancestral wisdom and contemporary social commentary.
The event will also serve as the official opening of an educational exhibition, Learning through Art: Museum as Classroom. It will be ongoing until 7 December this year.
Marais said this exhibition draws from the Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection and is especially designed to support the Gr.10 to Gr.12 Visual Art curriculum. “With artworks by celebrated South African artists like Esther Mahlangu, Noria Mabasa, Pierneef, and Irma Stern, the exhibition transforms the museum into an interactive classroom, offering a chance to engage with key visual narratives and explore sociopolitical themes beyond the boundaries of the textbook,” said Marais.
Food, snacks, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Entrance is free, with on-site parking available for R10 per vehicle (cash only).
For more information, contact the Oliewenhuis Art Museum on 078 968 4300 or send an email to oliewen@nasmus.co.za.
