Photo XP Vredendal 2026: A 10-Day Journey in Storytelling

For ten days in March 2026, the Muholi Art Institute (MAI) brought its immersive photography programme, Photo XP, to the small town of Vredendal in the Western Cape. The journey began not with cameras, but with people — home visits, handshakes, and building trust within a community anchored by the beloved eighty-year-old founder of the Ray Swartz Foundation.

Guided by facilitator Lindeka Qampi, eight young learners from Vredendal Primary School explored the power of image-making as a tool for storytelling, identity, and self-expression. From creating handmade poetry booklets to mastering the rule of thirds and capturing moving self-portraits, the participants discovered that photography is about more than just taking pictures — it is about communicating personal stories and seeing their world through new eyes.

Read the full diary of the 5-day journey to see how respect, creativity, and visual storytelling unfolded in Vredendal.