CAPE TOWN – The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), through its BMW Centre for Art Education, will host the media preview, book launch and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away on Saturday 25 April.
A key feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of artworks created by learners from Steenberg Primary School.
Art themes
Through facilitated sessions led by museum educators, learners will interpret characters and themes from the stories, with some experiencing art-making for the first time.
The event marks the second instalment of the museum’s children’s book series, following a successful debut in 2024.
This latest edition introduces three new titles: Nkanyamba, One World, One Family, and Why Fire and Water Are Enemies.
Written by Meridian Berndt, the books are brought to life by illustrators Isabelle Grobler, Jax Lamb, Vix Venter and Zhi Zulu.
The stories draw on African myths, legends and creation narratives, exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world and encouraging young readers to reflect on their role in protecting the environment.
Books inspire artworks
An accompanying exhibition, also titled The Stories that Ran Away, will showcase original artworks from all seven books in the series.
Located in the museum’s underground tunnels on Level -1, the exhibition runs until 7 June and invites children into an imaginative world filled with mythical creatures and vivid storytelling.
Liesl Hartman, head of the BMW Centre for Art Education, emphasised the importance of representation: “At the heart of this children’s book series is the legacy we hope to build by profiling stories from Africa for a younger generation. We want children to see themselves reflected in these narratives and to take pride in stories that originate on the continent.”
The day’s programme begins with a media preview and panel discussion at 10am, offering insights into the project’s creative and educational vision.
Authors, illustrators and industry professionals will reflect on the collaborative process and the importance of nurturing a love of reading among children.
Interactive space
From 3pm, the museum transforms into an interactive space for families, featuring a guest talk by Cape Town based Ugandan author Philippa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa.
Performances by Magnet Theatre alumni will animate characters from the books through movement and play, alongside installations and activities throughout the museum.
Visitors will also be able to purchase the books and attend a signing session with the creative team.
The project builds on the original four titles in the series, which explored themes of creation, transformation and journey across the continent.
Additional programmes
Together, the seven books highlight the richness and diversity of African storytelling traditions.
In partnership with African Literary Agency, Zeitz MOCAA aims to expand the global reach of the series while amplifying African voices in children’s literature.
Additional public programmes will follow, including a Teachers’ Walkabout in May and a “Night at the Museum” experience for children during the June school holidays.
Through initiatives like this, the BMW Centre for Art Education continues to strengthen connections between art, literacy and community, fostering creativity and cultural pride among young audiences.
For more information contact Esther Henderson at Esther.Henderson@zeitzmocaa.museum.
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