In a 2019 column titled Anyone can be a Rembrandt, published in Sunday Times, cultural theorist and journalist Bongani Madondo said, “Taking in the David Koloane retrospective at the Wits Art Museum with my children got me thinking about a few seemingly unrelated things.” Dissecting the art world’s function, the column prompts its reader to reconsider where and how children are programmed for in the art world.

Every year, this programming plays out under the Kids-4-Kids tiles. Never boring, the Kids-4-Kids programme, sponsored by ITOO ArtInsure, is a personalised, fun, informative and one of a kind offering in the world of art fairs. With each took taking approximately 45 minutes, kids have the opportunity to navigate through the fair, engage with the art ecosystem, ask questions and meet the people behind the very best in contemporary African art. Operating in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Lalela provides innovative arts education to at-risk youth during vulnerable after-school hours and holiday periods. Through their unique, personalised Kids-4-Kids programme, Lalela led several school groups through the fair.

Take the opening of last year’s edition of the fair. In addition to the 11:00 arrivals, amongst our first guests were Johannesburg-based schools that Lalela led through the Kids-4-Kids walkabout. Concluding their guided tours, most of the younger children flocked to El Anatsui’s work in the MAX section while the teenage guests were absorbed by Stevenson’s presentation of the FNB Art Prize winner, Dada Khanyisa’s work.

Similar to what Lalela has undertaken at previous editions of FNB Art Joburg, the tours will be at no charge to the participating schools or individuals.