On the occasion of Sightlines, A4 collaborates with Lalela’s Leadership Programme for Grade 10 learners over the July school holidays. The two-day workshop offers an introduction to curatorial practice, framing the curator’s role as a mediator between artists, artworks, and the public. Through research-by-doing, participants engage in practical exercises that encourage taking ideas for a walk.

The workshop begins with learners presenting their Personal Development Plans (PDPs), developed alongside their Lalela facilitators. These plans, mapping strengths, values, and future aspirations, serve as thematic foundations for each participant’s curatorial thinking. Using a foldable template with adjustable configurations, learners build ‘dummy’ exhibition rooms and choose artworks from a selection of cut-outs, with the option to request additional ‘works’ to be printed.

As the workshop unfolds, participants research their selected artworks, experiment with different hanging methods, and develop titles and curatorial statements for their exhibitions. The workshop culminates in a public walk through the neighbourhood, where learners position their miniature exhibitions in urban settings. Each display is documented through photographs, paired with a portrait of its creator. These images and processes are later compiled into a zine that captures the spirit and outcomes of the workshop.