Norval Foundation Benefit Auction, on Thursday, 8 December 2022, is an annual event in partnership with Strauss & Co Auctioneers, to raise funds to support the Norval Foundation Learning Centre.
The Norval Foundation Learning Centre was established to make learning available to all young South Africans. We do it with ardor and attend to it with diligence as we regard it as an investment destined to create a better future for all South Africans, communities and individuals alike. We see it as a gift of knowledge that can never be taken away from the recipient.
“Our Learning Centre has had an incredible year. It was a story of learning and creating art as well as experiences and exposure for thousands of very happy children. A story which we would love to share with you.
The NF Learning Centre was established in its own prominent space in the museum’s reception area. We are proud to report that more than 6,000 learners, ranging from Grade R to matric, have visited us in 2022. During a visit the Norval Foundation Learning Centre team carefully attends to the following for each learner from financially disadvantaged schools and NGOs:
• Safe transport to and from the Foundation;
• Guided tour of the exhibitions on show in the museum;
• Guided tour of the sculpture garden;
• A lesson from the Making Art History book specifically coordinated with the current themes taught at school to ensure context and relevancy (Our team prepare this in consultation with the teachers in advance);
• A practical art project where the children make art and take their art home;
• A healthy and freshly on-site prepared snack pack.
During a visit to the museum and the sculpture garden learners visibly and physically engage with art in a world class environment which opens their eyes. They literally cannot believe what they see. It stimulates their eagerness to learn and to develop. The visit immediately breaks down the barriers of intimidation and fear for the unknown of the artworld and for world class properties and venues which they don’t have access to as a norm. It stimulates a curiosity and excitement (the basis for real learning) that their teachers confirm stay with them after the visit. The disbelief on their faces when they realise the Making Art History book belongs to them in person and that they don’t need to hand it in after the visit is heartfelt and often leaves our team speechless. It leaves them feeling wanted and worthy.
Teachers further testify that these visits ignite critical thinking when they discuss some of the challenging themes of the exhibitions after the visit in class. They confirm it stimulates dreaming as many learners wish to be part of something as beautiful as the artworld after their exposure to it at the museum.
We have also extended our Programme to teachers from disadvantaged schools in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek farming communities.
The Making Art History book project (a collaboration between Norval Foundation and Sanlam Foundation) was established to fill the void on African or South African art history learning material. We realised the need to teach our children in a context that they can understand. Volume I and II have been completed. The books comprise of theory and practical work assignments and are printed on a quality paper that allows for ink, pencil and paint activities.
Every child and teacher who visits us as part of the educational program receives a copy of the one of the books. These books are also being distributed to schools in the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area equipping those receiving them with exposure to the arts. The books are also for available for sale for own use or as gifts.
The Learning Centre further conducts art classes over weekends and school holidays.
With 2022 drawing to a close, we would very much like to thank all our patrons and sponsors for the support, partnerships and collaborations which helped us give over 6,000 school and NGO children the opportunity to visit Norval Foundation. We are fully committed to double this number to more than 12,000 learners in 2023 and we would love you to be part of this journey with us. In order to achieve this, we need to raise an additional R1,2 million.
We believe that if we can reach learners at a young age art will enrich individuals and communities and help build a more united country. We look forward to you and your company opening your hearts to contribute towards and support our Learning Centre as a gift to our future generations.”
Click here to watch the Learning Centre Story
WHAT: Norval Foundation Benefit Auction
WHERE:Â Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road. Tokai, Cape Town 7945
WHEN: 19h00 on Thursday 8 December 2022 | bid telephonically or via the global online bidding platform.
INFO: Auction Catalogue and auction link is live for you to view | T +27 (0)87 654 5900 | E info@norvalfoundation.org | Visit
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2023 art craft + museums_map
and listen in to the Sanlam
Arts Round Up Fridays @16.10
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fridays! i-Phone HERE | Android HERE
