Picassos in the making
Children with an interest in the arts are known to be more open-minded, imaginative and compassionate. Foster a love for the arts in your child by investing in art or drama classes. Or, take them for a day trip to one of Joburg's kid-friendly art galleries or theatre venues. Alternatively, you can treat them to a fun art-inspired activity at home or out in the city.
Drama & Art Classes
Art Zoo Kids
Art Zoo Kids is based in Sandringham, Johannesburg. This professional art studio instills confidence in children, while teaching them the basic fundamentals of drawing and painting. Kids are also taught about famous artists through interactive applications of their methods. They will encourage creativity and self-expression in your child, so check them out.
Contact them on
083 743 8480 or via email at
[email protected]
Lillian Gray Fine Artist & Art School
Lillian Gray established her art school based in Fairland, Randburg in 2016. Their kids art classes teach the fundamentals of art, including line, proportion, shading and shape.
The Lillian Gray Art School will help take your child's interest in art from just a hobby, to a fully fledged passion. They will develop all the necessary skills to move on to more advanced classes. Classes work on a four week rotation basis, during which your child is guided through pottery, drawing and painting lessons, as well as larger art projects.
Contact them on
076 828 2448 or via email at
[email protected]
Helen O'Grady Drama Academy
The
Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is the largest worldwide drama school of its kind. With numerous school centres around the city, they are the most accessible drama academy in Joburg. They offer classes for kids aged 3 - 18. Enroll your little star in the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy to build their confidence, self esteem, verbal communication, effective social interaction and performance skills.
Contact them on
078 770 5182 or via email at
[email protected]
Kid-friendly art galleries
WITS Art Museum
The
WITS Art Museum is a free entrance art gallery and museum space in Braamfontein. Kids aged eight and older should be able to appreciate the Pan-African art, sculpture and textile work on display here. The gallery host 10 - 12 temporary exhibitions per year. They also boast an impressive permanent collection of over 12 000 historical and contemporary African artworks. Visit the gallery over the weekend to attend a family talk-about session. This is a one hour informative walk around the gallery. WAM's tour guides break down the concepts of the art on display in a fun way that kids can understand. Afterwards, you and the kids can create your own zany family portrait.
Click here to view upcoming events at the WITS Art Museum.
Contact them on
+27 11 717 1365 / 3158 or via email at
[email protected]
Arts on Main Maboneng
Arts on Main is the perfect place to start little ones out on a diet of contemporary, urban art. Bring them by to visit the art galleries and workshops on site, or to just soak up the artsy vibe.
Herbert Evans Art Shop has also moved into the building. Pop into to pick up all your art supplies or to get advice on how to start teaching the kids about art.
Afterwards, take a stroll over to the
David Krut Bookstore. They stock a range of books about art for kids, as well as activity books which allow young artists to experiment with medium, shape and style.
Newtown Cultural Precinct
The Newtown Cultural Precinct is the centre of Johannesburg art history. From the photography exhibitions at Museum Africa and the Market Photo Workshop, to the 560 wooden carved busts dotted around the area, there is tons to see here. Take the kids on a
heritage tour of Newtown to see all it has to offer. See Museum Africa's extensive collection of San Rock art, the Kippie ‘Morolong’ Moeketsi sculpture just outside the Market Theatre and William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx's
Fire Walker.
Contact Newtown Heritage Trail on
011 336 9190 or
click here to book a tour.
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WITS Art Museum[/caption]
Kids Theatre
National Children's Theatre
The National Children's Theatre is an award-winning performing arts centre located in Parktown. They produce interactive musicals for kids all year round, while also offering life skills workshops and holiday programmes. For over 30 years, the NCT has been at the forefront of South African children's theatre in education. So, pay them a visit sometime. They have a number of exciting shows lined up, including
Charlotte's Web, Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela and
The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
Click here to see more shows coming to the NCT.
Contact them on
(011) 484 1584/5 or via email at
[email protected]
People's Theatre
The People's Theatre is a great place to introduce your children to theatre and live performance. They bring audiences only the best in family entertainment, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile on their face. If you have younger kiddies, start them out learning about the arts here. Shows are interactive and super fun, so the kids are bound to feel the theatre bug nibble. The People's Theatre offer year long memberships, which grants you discounts on tickets and one free birthday month show!
Sign your kids up to be members and make going to the theatre a regular outing. There is no better way to instill a love of the arts in them than by roping in the whole family to go on outings.
Contact them on
(011) 403-1563 / 2340 or via email at
[email protected]
Joburg Theatre
Joburg Theatre is the city's largest theatre complex. Kids just love the opulence and spectacle of this space, with its dark red carpets and glass panel windows. Dress them up in their finest for a trip to the theatre. Although, not required, it makes the event even more special. Kid-friendly shows are usually hosted on the Nelson Mandela Stage, which seats 1 100 people in its auditorium. Take the little ones to see a spectacular ballet or the annual Janice Honeyman Pantomime at Christmas. Make it a yearly traditional and your kids will be theatre buffs in no time.
Contact them on
0861 670 670 or via email at
[email protected]
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The Nelson Mandela Stage
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