UNLOCKING CREATIVE MINDS: NMB Art Museum celebrates 70 years by bringing art education to 70 township schools

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Nelson Mandela Bay Art Museum is bringing art education to 70 township schools as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. The museum aims to unlock the creative potential of local children and address the lack of art education in communities where access has long been limited. The programme comes as the museum struggles to regain visitor numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on attendance.

Assistant director Emma O’Brien highlighted the program's importance, noting that art education is undervalued in the city and many township schools lack formal art classes. The initiative seeks to introduce pupils to the arts, fostering an interest that could lead to further exploration and potential careers in the creative field. The museum is working to make art sustainable and ensure that children have the opportunity to engage with this valuable discipline.

The program was initially proposed at the municipality's sport, recreation, arts, and culture (SRAC) committee, where member councillors supported the idea. A report presented to the committee emphasized the limited access to art education in many public schools due to shortages of specialist educators, limited resources, and transport constraints. The initiative aims to deliver structured arts and culture programmes to 70 schools, symbolizing the museum's 70 years of service.

SRAC political head Sinebhongo Kwatsha expressed support for the program, stating that schools teach arts and culture subjects but often omit painting, sculpting, and beadwork, which could give students tangible skills for a career in the arts. Arts education officer Amanda Heshu noted that while creative arts are offered up to Grade 9 in the schools curriculum, no schools in Nelson Mandela Bay townships currently offer art education.

The museum serves as a valuable resource for many pupils, and the program aims to revive interest in the arts following the Covid-19 pandemic when school visits have decreased.

The initiative is expected to help break down stigma surrounding arts education, particularly in communities where it has been undervalued. Arts intern Kamvelihle Mrubata shared her experience, stating that pursuing an art degree was once considered a less viable career path. The program seeks to change this perception and encourage more young people to embrace the arts, fostering innovation and creative thinking.