Unlearn to learn

Unlearn to learn An artistic program aimed to support artists and creatives from all art sectors.

Thobekile ShangeNurturing authentic voices with care and accountability.We are excited to have visual artist, cultural p...
27/08/2026

Thobekile Shange

Nurturing authentic voices with care and accountability.

We are excited to have visual artist, cultural practitioner and administrator Thobekile Shange (How's Your Art?) joining us as a mentor for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026 - 2027). Thobekile's practice explores visibility and Black lived experience through oil painting, portraiture, and material installations. Shange is of the view that;- meaningful mentorship strengthens our broader cultural ecology.

Shange will focus on supporting emerging practitioners as they develop conceptual clarity, build confidence and navigate complex institutional spaces. “She currently serves as President of the Board at KZNSA Gallery (Durban), where she also sits on the Exhibitions Sub-Committee, and is a board member of the Visual Arts Cluster of South Africa (VACSA). Her leadership and governance roles are underscored by a curatorial sensibility that bridges artistic integrity and institutional vision.”

Sponsored by:National Arts Council of SA Dept. of Sport, Arts & Culture


CulturalSustainability

Njabulo Vezi

We are excited to welcome artist Njabulo Vezi as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027). Njabulo Vezi (b. 1998) is a South African visual artist based in Mangamazini, Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal.

Vezi received formal training in 2025 through a visual arts residency at the BAT Centre, a non-profit community arts and culture organisation based in Durban. In 2023, following a mentorship with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), he founded Acrophobia Studios.

Working primarily in abstract painting, his practice seeks to confront and heal acrophobia—the fear of heights—while educating audiences about outdoor sports and adventure culture. He has been exhibiting since 2016 and continues to showcase his work in Durban and other cities.

Amahle Gumede

We are excited to welcome artist Amahle Gumede as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027). Amahle is an emerging South African artist and designer currently pursuing studies in Graphic Design and F

Azola KrweqeCreating diverse and community-centred creative institutions.We are happy to have artist and curator Azola K...
25/08/2026

Azola Krweqe

Creating diverse and community-centred creative institutions.

We are happy to have artist and curator Azola Krweqe () as one of the mentors for the Unlearn To Learn artistic development programme (2026 - 2027). Her practice is rooted in Black feminist thought and the subversion of “traditional practices”. Azola’s interdisciplinary
practice spans photography, textiles, and traditional Xhosa beadwork. She approaches mentorship as a shared, collaborative journey to actively uplift marginalised
practices within township and rural communities.

By centering local knowledge, Krweqe fosters a space to exchange skills, inspire critical thought and build collaborative futures. Krweqe was selected to be part of the 2026 - 2027 Art Exchange: Moving Image, “an international curatorial development and exhibition programme delivered by the British Council in partnership with Breinstorm Brand Architects (BBA).”

Sponsored by: National Arts Council of SA Dept. of Sport, Arts & Culture


Intersectionality

Nokwanda Sithole

We are happy to welcome artist Nokwanda Sithole(Nokwanda) as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027). Nokwanda is a self-taught visual artist from Durban. Sithole is a painter and mosaic artist whose work explores the relationship Black people have with stillness and tranquility.

Sithole primarily uses mixed mediums such as oil pastel, watercolour and acrylic paint. Her artworks often feature abstract portraits where the subject is in solitude, looking away from the viewer in order to depict how they are seemingly engulfed in the tranquility of their inner world.

Langelihle Mawela

We are happy to welcome artist Langelihle Mawela(Langelihle Mawela || Mthembu.) as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027).

Langelihle Mawela (b.1997, Umlazi, Durban) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work centers on cultural heritage and social commentary. Working across clay sculpture, painting, digital mixed media and murals, she uses earth, cowrie shells and found materials to examine identity and womanhood. Recent

Painting by the Beach | 08 August 2026 🌊Unlearn to Learn artists had the opportunity to paint alongside the beautiful sc...
24/08/2026

Painting by the Beach | 08 August 2026 🌊

Unlearn to Learn artists had the opportunity to paint alongside the beautiful scenery of North Beach. 🎨🌴

People visiting the beach came by to engage with the artists, and some even joined us to participate in the painting session, simply for the joy and fun of creating.

Vas PutterBuilding creative futures by sharing knowledge and technique.We are happy to welcome multidisciplinary artist ...
24/08/2026

Vas Putter

Building creative futures by sharing knowledge and technique.

We are happy to welcome multidisciplinary artist Vas Putter (Vas Putter) as a mentor for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026 - 2027). Putter is renowned for her conceptual practice spanning printmaking, painting, and mixed-media assemblage.

In her practice, Vas incorporates the use of discarded materials to address pressing environmental and humanitarian concerns. As a mentor, Vas is dedicated to: skills development, concept clarity and sharing her extensive technical expertise to guide artists through the early stages of their careers. She looks forward to contributing towards deep critical thinking and creative growth.

Sponsored by:National Arts Council of SA Dept. of Sport, Arts & Culture



Sinethemba Ndimande

We are happy to welcome artist Sinethemba Ndimande as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027). Sinethemba (She/They) is a multidisciplinary artist and writer based in Durban, South Africa. In her innovative practice, she explores the intricate intersection of q***r visibility and diverse identities. Ndimande completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Art at the Durban University of Technology.

Ndimande challenges traditional gender norms through contemporary art by utilising feminine-associated mediums such as embroidery, felting, and crocheting. Her distinctive approach not only highlights the beauty of these crafts but also empowers marginalised voices. This has opened doors for her to participate in collaborative exhibitions, including a noteworthy showcase at The KZNSA Gallery.

Siyabonga Arthur Ntuli

We are happy to welcome artist Siyabonga Ntuli as a Mentee for the Unlearn to Learn artistic development programme (2026-2027). Siyabonga is a Graphic Designer and Artist with a passion for visual communication, design, creativity and problem-solving.

Moments from our Bookbinding Workshop, facilitated by Amy, on Saturday, 22 August 2026. 📖✨In partnership with: Durban Un...
23/08/2026

Moments from our Bookbinding Workshop, facilitated by Amy, on Saturday, 22 August 2026. 📖✨

In partnership with: Durban University of Technology

Join us for a Bookbinding Workshop this Saturday! 📖✨ Come learn how to make your own book.Everyone is welcome! Come expl...
20/08/2026

Join us for a Bookbinding Workshop this Saturday! 📖✨ Come learn how to make your own book.

Everyone is welcome! Come explore the art of bookbinding and create something that uniquely yours.

Join us for a painting workshop this weekend | Saturday, 08 August Durban North Beach| 11:00 am Contact this number (068...
05/08/2026

Join us for a painting workshop this weekend | Saturday, 08 August Durban North Beach| 11:00 am

Contact this number (068 078 7624) for exact location details on the day.

Moments from Bookbinding Workshop - Facilitated by Amy Pieterse Art 🪡📘Sponsored by: National Arts Council of SA Dept. o...
04/08/2026

Moments from Bookbinding Workshop - Facilitated by Amy Pieterse Art 🪡📘

Sponsored by: National Arts Council of SA Dept. of Sport, Arts & Culture

From experienced artists to those painting for the very first time, here are the beautiful pieces our participants creat...
28/07/2026

From experienced artists to those painting for the very first time, here are the beautiful pieces our participants created during Saturday's painting session. 🎨✨

Address

Durban

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 20:00
Thursday 09:00 - 20:00
Friday 09:00 - 20:00
Saturday 09:00 - 16:00

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Unlearn to learn posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category