Art Week presents Room 13 Kids' Exhibition and Mini Walk on 5 September

This initiative will provide a platform for the public to see young artists express themselves culturally, socially, artistically and otherwise in their artworks. The Exhibition, along with learner performances, will be on display from 1pm at St. Martins de Porres School in Orlando West, Soweto and will include art from three of the Room 13 schools in the area (Reasoma Secondary School, Sapebuso Primary School and St. Martins de Porres School).

The Room 13 Kids' Art Exhibition and Mini Walk, under the guidance of a professional adult artist-in-residence, Nkosana Ngobese, will provide an exchange of ideas, skills and experience across gender, race and age.

The Mini Walk, with over 500 participants, kicks off at 9.30am, with colourful clothing, flags, balloons and choreographed dance movements. It will be used as a tool to appeal to youth to 'unite through strength', with over 500 Mini Walk participants from Reasoma Secondary School, Sapebuso Primary School and St. Martins de Porres School.

The goal of Room 13 is to develop the art, life and entrepreneurial skills of South Africa's disadvantaged youth. Art becomes not just another medium of self-expression but a lightning rod to develop their self-esteem and sense of purpose. There are eight Room 13 art studios in schools across South Africa.

Art Week

The purpose of Art Week Joburg is to create a vibrant and unique festival that highlights quality and diverse artistic offerings within the city of Johannesburg. It aims to develop new audiences and increase public awareness of the vibrant contemporary art scene in Gauteng, and to promote many artists, curators and other innovators living in and around the city.

On Sunday, 6 September, it hits the streets of Alexandra with exhibitions, artist walkabouts, graffiti tours, open studios, and entertainment. 7 September will host a talk programme, which includes internationally acclaimed sound artist, Emeka Ogboh, founder of the Peckham Orchestra in the UK, Hanna Catherine Jones and Soweto-based Thath'I Kover Orchestra. On 8 September, the Rosebank strip will host galleries, exhibitions and fun-filled entertainment, with an opening solo exhibition on Wednesday, 9 September by Emeka at JAG.

The FNB Joburg Art Fair VIP opening on Thursday, 10 September will include the Art Fair Collectors Preview. Friday, 11 September will host the Art Week Joburg art. On the 12 September, people will gather in Braamfontein and Newtown for an independent performance and artist exhibition, open studios, graffiti tours, and entertainment. Maboneng's Arts on Main will close off Art Week Joburg with a closing party, after a fun-filled day of open studios and other entertainment.