Background

The Viva Township Art project was founded by artist Rheece Moonjava [Moonjava.art], son of Viva CEO, Meleney Berry-Kriel in 2011.  With the help of volunteer artists, they began to transform shack-homes in the informal settlements into works of art.  So the first ever Living Art Gallery was born in the Alaska Informal Settlement, Mamelodi East, Pretoria.  

The Viva Township Art Festivals and Viva's got Talent competitions were added to the project, with poetry, music, singing, drama and dance disciplines featuring. 

Music as part of the school curriculum for underprivileged learners.  

With the help of master conductor Gerben Grooten and the Zonnebrink Kerk in Winterswijk, Holland, a music teacher was appointed and has been presenting music tuition to all grades at the Mamelodi and Refilwe campuses.  

The much-loved Viva Children's Choir was established and has travelled to Europe performing with great success.  The choir will also travel to Germany and Holland in December 2023.  

Online art classes and art workshops are presented and funding is required to appoint full-time staff to further develop the arts in underprivileged communities.