The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has always been more than scenery. It’s a place of stories, memories, and resilience. Midlands Magic is a call to artists, photographers, and dreamers to capture that spirit—through images, paint, or any medium that tells a story.
Whether it’s the curve of a hill, the roar of Howick Falls, or the strength in a grandmother’s hands, this competition is about rediscovering the Midlands through our eyes.
The Midlands is not just a backdrop. It’s a living, breathing canvas.
From the hands of a grandmother kneading bread to a child’s bright imagination, every detail holds meaning. Midlands Magic is about celebrating those truths through art and photography—and letting the world see what we already know: the Midlands is magic.
👉 Ready to show your story? Enter here.
What makes a place magical? This year’s theme, “Through Our Eyes”, asks artists to answer that question in their own unique way.
Everyday Beauty: The soft poetry of a farm road at dawn.
Unseen Details: Forgotten corners, unnoticed colours, fleeting expressions.
People & History: Stories of resilience, memory, and shared heritage.
Hope & Future: Visions of the Midlands not just as it is, but as it can be.
Your entry doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be honest. The Midlands we love is the Midlands you see.
👉 Submit your interpretation before 30 March 2026.
Not sure where your work belongs? There’s space for everyone in the Art and Photography Competition.
Photography
Professional Photographer
Amateur Photographer (Adults)
Youth Photographer (Aged 12–18)
Visual Art
Professional Art (Adults)
Amateur Art (Adults)
Youth Artist (Aged 12–18)
Prizes & Recognition
Adult Winners: R2,500 + trophy + voucher
Youth Winners: R1,500 + art supply voucher
People’s Choice: R2,000 + online/social feature
Grand Prize: R5,000 + feature in the Midlands Magic campaign + solo showcase opportunity
All shortlisted works will be professionally exhibited and featured in our digital gallery.
👉 Enter up to 3 works across categories: https://midlandsmagickzn.co.za/enter
Art is best when it’s shared—and Midlands Magic will be celebrated far and wide.
📅 21 April 2026
🎶 Live music, Midlands tastings, live art, auction & prize ceremony
📍 Howick, Nottingham Road, Curry’s Post, Hilton
🗓 March – April 2026
👉 Whether you’re entering, attending, or supporting, you’ll be part of a creative journey across the Midlands.
Still wondering if this competition is for you? Here are five good reasons:
Celebrate your creative voice – Share your perspective with the world.
Showcase your work – Be featured in exhibitions and online galleries.
Win meaningful prizes – Cash, trophies, art supplies, and showcases.
Support transformation – Proceeds go towards youth development via Love Howick NPC.
Join a community – Be part of a network of Midlands creatives telling our collective story.
👉 Don’t miss your chance. Entries close 30 March 2026. Submit today:
Midlands Magic is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. From sunrise over the hills to brushstrokes of memory, we invite you to show the world the Midlands through your eyes.
📷🎨 Capture it. Create it. Share it. Let’s show the Midlands Magic.
For sponsorships, partnerships, or media enquiries, please contact: marketing@lovehowick.org.za