OFM Artbeat (Kunsteklop)

Curator at the NWU Gallery, Sheryl Msomi joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the latest group exhibition hosted in Potchefstroom. The 1976 youth uprising is 50 years ago this year and this exhibition brings together a reflection on the past through the lens of today’s youth. If the youth of 1976 contested the classroom, then fifty years later the artists brought together in Repair of the Present contest the archive. This exhibition is on until 24 July.

A major solo exhibition by South African artist Elias Ditaba Sewape, titled Ditaba - 80 Albert Street, is on display at the William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley and brings together an expansive body of work spanning over four decades. Chief Curator, Chepape Makgato joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to share his excitement about this truly special exhibition which is on until the 31st of July.

Oliewenhuis Art Museum presents Uhambo Lwemi Moya (The Journey of My Spirit), a solo exhibition by South African artist Quincy Mbuso Hlongwa. This exhibition presents a compelling body of figurative paintings that explore themes of identity, personal reflection, and the emotional landscapes of contemporary life. Mbuso joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about this full-circle moment for him as artist. The exhibition is on until 28 June.

The theatre production “Healing of Hearts”, featuring choirs, acting, mime, and dancers, is centred on delivering a message that healing is possible and available for every heart in every house, family, and community across the nations of the world. This community project involves children and adults from all over the Mangaung area and is coordinated by Creare Training Centre. Yolanda Maartens is joined by Creare Principal, Jolene du Plessis and Township Schools Coordinator, Kabelo Mokoena in the OFM Art Beat to share details about the production taking place at the Sand de Plessis theatre in Bloemfontein from 21 to 23 May. Tickets available at Webtickets.

Kurator by die NWU Galery, Potchefstroom kampus, Sheryl Msomi sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan om te vertel oor ‘n foto wat ‘n werklike verskil gemaak het in die lewens van kunstenaars en teatermakers in ons land. Die foto geneem deur Pieter Lomaard is vir fondsinsameling doeleindes gebruik om ‘n brydae te maak aan die Teaterbystandsfonds. Verder is die NWU ook nou die amptelike bewaarder van Momentum Aardklop se permanente uitstalling, ‘n idee wat Nataniël lewe gegee het.

Samantha Durrant 1st violinist of the Odeion String Quartet joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to invite audiences to join in the celebrations this year which starts off with a programme which includes two guest performers. The programme is filled with South African sounds as well as Dvorak’s Piano Quintet number 2 and is being presented on the 23rd of April in the Odeion in Bloemfontein and on the 24th of April at the Clarens Arts Festival.

Acclaimed South African pianist, Peter Cartwright and British violinist, Rupert Marshall-Luck bring their successful concert to Central South Africa on the 16th of April. The duo have been collaborating for quite a few years and look forward to share their approach to piano and violin, with the audience at the Odeion in Bloemfontein. Peter Cartwright joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the programme titled: Lyric Landscapes which features compositions by Russian, British and South African musicians. Tickets are available at Quicket.

On the 10th of April you are invited to “Love, Passion and Fate” as the FSSO present an evening filled with the music from Tchaikovsky hosted by the Sand du Plessis theatre in Bloemfontein. Concert Master for this programme, Sharon de Kock, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat as she also shares that the orchestra will be travelling to Pretoria with this repertoire.

The 2026 WHAG Artist-in-Residence, Tshepo Bopape joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat together with Curatorial Assistant, Malikah Meyer. The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) is pleased to present Valued Materials – A Work In Progress until the 30th of April showcasing the works created during Tshepo’s time in residency. He draws comparison between the city of Gold, Johannesburg and the diamond city, Kimberley through art.

The 5th annual Clarens Arts Festival takes place in Clarens from 24–27 April 2026. Chairman of the festival board, Manie van Schalkwyk joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about their exciting festival program which includes theatre, literature, workshops, and kiddies events, there’s a spark of inspiration for the whole family. Tickets are available online from TixSA.

Dr Joseph Kunnuji is the Resident Ethnomusicologist lecturer at the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State and his zest for life is clear in his music and his energy towards teaching others about music from around the world. In his collaborative album with Mlungisi Gegana they bring music from West Africa and South Africa together. Marabi meets highlife is available on all streaming platforms. Joseph joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about this album and to share a bit of music live on his trumpet!

Traditional musical forms are reimagined in this collaborative production to reflect contemporary ecological crises, with themes of loss and resilience. Each movement unfolds like a chapter in a story: the urgency of the present, the consequences of inaction, and the possibilities of transformation. More than a performance, In the Blink of an Eye is a call to action. Composer Arthur Feder joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the privilege to experience his music being brought to life by the Odeion String Quartet, pianist Cézarre Strydom, clarinettist Danré Strydom and dancer Jeanette Ziady. ‘In the blink of an eye’ is on at the Odeion in Bloemfontein on the 19th of March and tickets are available from Quicket.

Ebeth Wilson, Uitvoerende Vervaardiger en Verhoogbestuurder vir die produksie so wel as Jaco Bezuidenhout, Musiekregisseur vir ‘Moses…geroep!’ sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan die OFM Kunsteklop om oor die ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteater inisiatief te gesels. ‘Moses..,geroep!’ volg die epiese Bybelse reis van Moses — van sy wonderbaarlike redding as baba wat tussen die biesies versteek is, tot sy grootwordjare as ’n prins in die paleis van Egipte, en uiteindelik sy lewensveranderende ontmoeting met God by die brandende bos. Hierdie uitvoering word aangebied deur die ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteater in Bloemfontein en is 20 en 21 Maart op die verhoog en kaartjies is beskikbaar by Webtickets.

The Magareng Public Art Project is now in its final phase and is located on the N12/N18 outside Warrenton in the Northern Cape. Vuyo Mayesa is the Lead Curator and Founder of the initiative and joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the importance of public art, the accountability that lies with the entire community to uphold the park and also to appeal to residents to get involved and support their volunteers and artists.

The “Because we are” exhibition engages with African ethical frameworks that position humanness as inherently relational and features the works of Tony Luza and Daniel Tladi. The exhibition has been curated by Sheryl Msomi and will be open to the public until the 20th of March. Both Tony and Daniel join Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about their personal experiences that they share in this exhibition and a friendship that spans many years.

Conductor Yasuo Shinozaki was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1968. He has been involved with orchestras around the world and has often graced the stages of South Africa as well. Yasuo will be conducting the Free State Symphony Orchesra on the 14th of March at the Odeion in Bloemfontein. Joining him on stage is mezzo soprano Violina Anguelov. Yasuo joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the program of the night as well as to share what he has learned through his travels over the years when conducting international orchestras.

Joining Yolanda Maartens on OFM is world-renowned pianist Ida Pelliccioli who will be on stage at the Odeion in Bloemfontein on the 5th of March. Transcriptions reveal the musical thinking of a composer who is moved and inspired by the artistry of other composers, while recognizing that the musical substance of the underlying works is not static but capable of constant reworking and evolution. Ida explains why transcriptions are experiencing a bit of a renaissance and what the program will be at the Odeion. She also shares her love for South Africa and our wines. Tickets are available at Quicket.

This exhibition celebrates four extraordinary artists whose works form an integral part of Oliewenhuis Art Museum's Permanent Collection. Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks, and Andries Gouws – each a master of mark-making in their chosen medium – left an indelible impression on the South African art world before their passing in 2024 and 2025. To honour them, Collections Manager at Oliewenhuis, Yolanda de Kock, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat with all the details of this very personal exhibition which is on until the 6th of April 2026.

Op slegs 15 jaar, studeer hy voltyds aan die Hochschule fur Musik in Basel, Switserland en het Christian-Peter ‘n lang lys toekennings en prestasies agter sy naam. Hy sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te vertel oor sy lewe in Switserland, sy liefde vir die klavier en natuurlik om sy opwinding te deel oor sy toer na Suid Afrika. Hy is by die Odeion in Bloemfontein op die verhoog die 21se Februarie 2026.

A Re Bopeng translates to Let Us Create in Tswana and that is what artist Mpho Gorewang has been doing for almost two decades. His works of clay are a celebration of the medium and also returns us to our roots through his works. He joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about his first ever solo exhibition which is on until the 20th of March in Potchefstroom at the NWU Gallery.

Daar is ‘n kunswerk in Louw Wepener straat, Bloemfontein wat Yolanda Maartens se oog gevang het. Die OFM Kunsteklop moes uitvind wie agter die kunswerk skuil en wat die betekenis daarvan is. Daniël Slabbert Botha sluit by haar aan om te vertel waar sy liefde vir kuns ontstaan het en ook hoekom sy inspirasie by mense ontstaan. Volg hom gerus by https://www.facebook.com/dievoetsoldaat

The theatre production “Healing of Hearts” which features choirs, acting, mime and dance groups is centred on delivering a message that healing is possible and available for every heart in every house, family and community across the nations of the world. It is a community project involving children and adults from all over the Mangaung area and is coordinated by Creare Training Centre. Ester Jones and John-Dean Knell joined Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the auditions being held for this year’s production and to invite young and old to get involved in their production which will be showcased in May 2026.

Oliewenhuis Art Museum is excited to host the exhibition Beyond Walls: Emerging Contemporary Voices, curated from the ArtbankSA Collection. Unlike traditional museum collections confined to institutional walls, ArtbankSA operates as a dynamic platform that circulates emerging artists' work through leasing and sales to collectors and the general public. This exhibition captures the essence of this fluid model, presenting works that exist in active dialogue with diverse spaces and communities. Beyond Walls reveals urgent themes coursing through contemporary South African art: intergenerational knowledge transmission, cultural custodianship, memory's contested territories, and identity's continuous formation. Yolanda de Kock, Collections Manager at Oliewenhuis, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat with all the details of Beyond Walls which is on until the 6th of April 2026.

Steinway-kunstenaar Charl du Plessis stel sy twaalfde album en tweede solo-opname, My Favourite Things, bekend. Die opname bied ’n fyn saamgestelde program wat sy veelsydige musikale identiteit weerspieël en met gemak beweeg tussen klassieke klaviermusiek en jazz-geïnspireerde interpretasies. Hy sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om ook te gesels oor dit wat hy ook verder vir 2026 beplan!

Wessel Van Huyssteen stel belang in konsepte van plek en hoe om met die voorstelling van landskap in die era van die Leviaceen (die huidige era, gedefinieer deur die dominante, vernietigende mag van state, korporasies en kunsmatige intelligensie) om te gaan. Hy stel veral belang in hoe magsstrukture merke op die natuurlike landskap laat. Oliewenhuis Kunsmuseum huisves ‘n dekade van sy werke tot 8 Februarie 2026. Hy sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop met insig oor dit wat hom inspireer.

This landmark exhibition at the William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley, celebrates more than three decades of Sophie Peters’ visual storytelling tracing her journey from the streets of Johannesburg’s inner city to her recognition as one of South Africa’s most resilient and spiritually grounded visual artists. Chief Curator, Chepape Makgato joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat with details about the exhibition but also about the painting masterclass presented by Sophie as well as the artist’s walkabout. The exhibition is on until 28 February 2026.

Odeion School of Music students, at the University of the Free State, frequently participate in performances, competitions, and events. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a privileged position to acquire the necessary performance attire. To support them, the OSM has established a Costume Library – a collection of formal and performance-appropriate clothing items that students can borrow when needed. Dr Frelét De Villiers, Academic Head/Senior Lecturer at the OSM joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to ask the public for donations of previously loved evening wear for ladies and gents.

Professor Danre Strydom from the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State is delighted to invite clarinetists from across the country to participate in the International Clarinet Extravaganza being hosted from 4 – 7 February 2026 in Bloemfontein. Applications close on the 1st of January and she joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to share all the application details.

Vrystaat Kunstefees, Feesdirekteur Michael Garbett sluit aan by Yolanda Maartens in die OFM Kunsteklop en beklemtoon die unieke platform wat die fees bied vir diverse stemme, genres en kulturele uitdrukking. Frieda van Niekerk sluit ook by die gesprek aan met insig in volgende jaar se kunstemark beplanning. Die fees vind plaas van 7 - 11 Julie 2026 op die Bloemfontein-kampus van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat. Een fees, baie stories.

The University of the Free State officially launched its International Institute of the Arts (IIA) on 2 October 2025 at the Scaena Theatre on its Bloemfontein Campus, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence, creativity, and global collaboration. Project Manager and Senior Coordinator at the IIA, MC Roodt joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the role of the IIA at the UFS and to explain what this institute means for the arts and creatives in the Free State.

The Creative Dance Academy in Bloemfontein invites you to ‘DREAM’ on 29 November at the Wynand Mouton Theatre. This breath-taking ballet and contemporary dance production of hope, resilience, and rediscovery follows the journey of Amara. Santie van Biljon joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat with all the details.

Kilmany-Jo Liversage creates portraits that sit at the blurry boundary between fine art and urban art. Adopting the urban art language allows her to update, renew and challenge the conventions of painting, though her rendering of female subjects is inspired by Renaissance era portraiture. Her latest solo exhibition PREKARIA, is on at Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein until the 23rd of November. She joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the meaning of this exhibition and the use of colour in her works.

Die 7de Senior Serenade saam met Pro Strings en vriende, word vanjaar weer in Bloemfontein aangebied. Hierdie inisiatief maak ‘n reuse verskil in bejaardes se lewens wat gereeld tydens die feestyd alleen is. Stigter, Sharon de Kock, sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te vertel wat hulle steeds benodig om hul doelwit te bereik en wat dit elke jaar vir die bejaardes tydens Kersfees beteken.

Ballads of the British Isles is a showcase of some of the most iconic ballads from the Brisith Isles performed by local Bloemfontein artists Diandra Steenekamp, Zani Ludick, Maretha Krige and Adri Maryke van Heerden. The performance on the 21st of November at the Naval Hill Planetarium, will feature the beloved Bloemfontein Scottish Bagpipe Band and all proceeds will go towards the funding of the organ installation in the Cathedral of St Andrew & St Michael. Adri Maryke van Heerden joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the origin of this unique production.

Stefan Hundt, Curator of the Sanlam Art Collection, says this is a memorable exhibition that celebrates the rich history and heritage of Basotho blankets and the shared stories they represent. Showcasing the unique and engaging designs of traditional and contemporary Basotho Blankets, the exhibition, ‘Sutha Ke Fete’, runs until 15 February 2026 in the Reservoir Gallery at Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein and is presented by Sanlam in collaboration with the National Museum. Stefan joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat with all the details of this vibrant exhibition.

An afternoon of Tchaikovsky, Marquina, Barber, Zimmer and Buble promises to showcase the talents of the youth involved with the Free State Symphony Orchestra in Bloemfontein. Conductor Dingaan Chabalala and two violinists, Lehlohonolo Sefuli and Thabiso Majoe, join Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the programme and to share their excitement. The concert is free and the public is invited to come and support the youth on the 2nd of November.

Dance Pages is a flagship dance festival held annually in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. It's dedication to the arts and community development has made a significant impact on the lives of many young dancers and choreographers across the region. The festival was founded to create a performance and experiential platforms for our dancers in peri-urban, rural and underserved communities. Letlhogonolo Nche, Curator of Dance Pages, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to highlight this year’s festival program and to invite those individuals from the dance industry to participate from 22 to 25 October 2025.

The PANGEA STRING QUARTET (PSQ) is a Johannesburg-based chamber ensemble which strives to inspire and engage audiences by presenting key works in the string quartet repertoire. Serge Cuco is principal violinist and joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about their special program planned for their performance as well as sharing his message for those who consider violin as their instrument of choice. Support them at NG Vyfhoek on the 21st of October.

Musiek vir viool en pyporrel het oor die eeue baie gewild geword. Die orrel het moontlikhede wat vergelykbaar is met dié van 'n simfonieorkes as gevolg van al die verskillende register-opsies wat orkesinstrumente verteenwoordig. Die volgehoue klank op die orrel bied ook 'n kooragtige begeleiding vir die viool, wat groot bewegingsvryheid vir die viool toelaat wat nie met die klavier moontlik sou wees nie. Zanta Hofmeyr en Cameron Upchurch sal 'n verskeidenheid van musiek aanbied tydens hul program van bekende komponiste die 25ste Oktober by die Odeion in Bloemfontein. Zanta sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklup met al die besonderhede.

Pianist, Paul Ferreira joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the production “Unmindful of the Roses” being presented at NG Vyfhoek in Potchefstroom on the 14th of October. He is joined by mezzo soprano, Teresa de Wit and oboe player Johan Ferreira. They celebrate 150 years of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

Concert Master for the night’s performance, Sharon de Kock joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to introduce audiences to acclaimed Taiwanese conductor Ho Chung Yeh who is leading the symphony orchestra. She also shares information about the two soloists of the night and their instruments. Luzanne Eigelaar from the FSSO shares the ticket information and invites the Taiwanese community of the Free State to come support this night of premieres, classical works and contemporary treasures.

’n Naweek van nostalgie, samesyn en inspirerende koormusiek wag wanneer die NWU PUK-Koor einde vanjaar sy 70ste bestaansjaar vier. Die reünie van 20 tot 23 November op die Potchefstroomkampus gaan die kersie op die koek wees van ’n opwindende jaar. Kobus Venter, koordirigent, sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te gesels oor hierdie geleentheid van same-sang soos hy dit noem.

This unusual curatorial approach creates fresh visual narratives by combining historical handbags with contemporary and classical artworks. The exhibition "On the arm of every woman" features a thoughtfully curated selection of beautifully crafted artifacts and artworks, overseen by three female curators. The selection draws from the prestigious collections of Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Art Bank of South Africa, and textile collections from the National Museum’s Collections Management and Library Departments. Yolanda De Kock (Acting Project Manager, ArtbankSA) joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat. This exhibition is on until the 16th of November 2025.

In Die Reisigers verken die sanger-liedjieskrywer Luna Paige temas van beweging, stilte van gees, aanvaarding en selfliefde. Die vertoning is geïnspireer deur haar persoonlike ervarings op reis — onder meer op die Spaanse Camino — sowel as haar waarnemings as reisiger en kunstenaar. Sy sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om oor die debuut produksie te gesels wat vanjaar by Momentum Aardklop te siene is.

As deel van hul 150ste vieringe vanjaar, nooi die St. Paulus Evangelies-Lutherse Kerk in Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein jou uit na 'n Middeleeuse Oesfeeskonsert op 27 September om 18:00! Kom vier gerus fees saam met die Secret Artists Club met heerlike kos en wonderlike musiek. Diandra Steenekamp sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop met al die besonderhede. Vind hulle gerus op Facebook vir verdere besonderhede: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Secret-Artists-Club-61552568163705/

The English cellist, Michael Kevin Jones, studied Music Performance piano/cello at the Royal College of Music (London). He was also a student of Niel Immelman (piano). While a student at the Royal College of Music, he was chosen to play for the Royal family and awarded a German government scholarship for further study in Köln. He is very much looking forward to his South African tour which will make its second stop at the Odeion in Bloemfontein on the 2nd of October. Tickets are available from Quicket. Michael joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about his passion for cello as well as for exposing the youth to his craft. He also unpacks the program of the night which is being presented with Nicolene Gibbons on piano.

Daar word binnekort groot makietie gehou op Fauresmith wanneer die tweede Spoorfees vanjaar vanaf 3 tot 5 Oktober aangebied word op die plattelandse dorpie. Sanger Jacobus Silwer en sy vrou Lizzie, sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te gesels oor die propvol program en die dorps reünie, wat ook daai naweek plaasvind. Groot dank aan die ATKV wat dit moontlik maak. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Seat Me.

Sluit aan by die bekende violis Piet Koornhof en die bekroonde pianis Jana Mathee vir 'n voortreflike aand van kamermusiek by die Skool vir Musiek, NWU. Hierdie konsert bring 'n boeiende program van werke deur van die mees innoverende komponiste van die 20ste en 21ste eeue bymekaar. Jana Mathee sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te gesels oor die verhouding tussen viool en klavier en om luisteraars te nooi na die NG Kerk Vyfhoek vir die besonderse aand van musiek. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Quicket.

Tenor Albertus Engelbrecht joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the production ‘Gypsy’ being presented at the Odeion in Bloemfontein on the 18th of September. With Albie van Schalkwyk on piano, they team up to bring you a mix of gypsy and folk music. This promises to be a fun night and tickets are available at Quicket.

Potchefstroom kan reg maak vir ‘n onvergeetlike ballet wanneer die North West Youth Ballet (NWYB) Swan Lake by die Sanlam Auditiorium aanbied, 11 en 12 September 2025. Artistieke Direkteur en Organiseerder, Antoinette van Staden sluit by Yolanda Maartens aan in die OFM Kunsteklop om te vertel hoe belangrik hierdie tipe blootstelling is vir jong dansers, die voorreg om saam met internasionaal bekende dansers op te tree, as ook wat die gehoor kan verwag as dit kom by hul einde van Swan Lake se verhaal. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Tixsa.