Artistic rabbits under the hammer for Creative Field Bursaries

Rabbits don’t just hop around and nibble on carrots – they nurture, play, and have active social lives. These social animals need toys, spaces to hide, and games of hide-and-seek. They remember faces and, unfortunately, even negative experiences.

Intelligent and often underestimated, rabbits have long captured our imagination – just ask A.A. Milne, who created Rabbit in the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

This curiosity and intelligence inspired The Thinking Fund, a creative arts project that raises funds to sponsor young people pursuing a career in the creative fields and Arts, to invite 22 artists to anthropomorphise rabbits as thinking beings. Together, they created 23 unique Thinking Rabbit sculptures.

Each artist received a sculpture to transform into a one-of-a-kind work of art, symbolising curiosity, creativity, and courage. The completed pieces are professionally photographed, exhibited, and then sold online.

Founded by Nicola Tyler – entrepreneur, globe-trotter, and owner of The Thinking Company, a consulting business focused on teaching people how to really think – The Thinking Fund brings artists, collectors, and communities together to support young people through bursaries in the arts and creative and critical thinking skills programmes.

“We’ve challenged 22 artists to think deeply about how to portray this much-loved yet misunderstood creature,” says Tyler. “The whole idea is to have fun with this concept and, by doing so, raise funds to sponsor young minds and future leaders in developing creative skills.”

Ten of the completed Thinking Rabbits are currently being exhibited at the Noordhoek Artpoint in Cape Town from 24 November to 4 December 2025. “These Featured Artists have been selected for their creative voices and artistic styles,” says Tyler.

The other 13 Thinking Rabbits will be showcased at the Boston Open Studios in Bellville on 6 December 2025, alongside a group of diverse and talented artist collective who are running their annual open studios event.

“Displaying our artists’ work at Boston Open Studios will hopefully inspire others to pick up a paintbrush, pen, clay, or any creative tool that expands the mind,” says project manager Anke Ferreira.

“We believe that access to creativity and thinking skills should be a foundation for shaping future leaders.” says Annehette Troost, from Boston Open Studios.

From Cape Town, the collection of 23 Thinking Rabbits, will be securely packaged so the rabbits are not traumatised and will travel to Johannesburg’s to 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, where Candice Berman Gallery will launch the final exhibition and online auction.

This accumulative event will be electrifying, bringing joy while spreading the creative spark.

Now in its third year, the Thinking Rabbits will go under the virtual hammer on 13 December 2025 through an online auction, with the highest bids taking home the prize. Proceeds will fund bursaries in the creative fields and the arts as well as supporting the development of creative and cognitive thinking skills among young people across South Africa and, in the future, beyond.

“Our imagination and how we bring ideas to life is an important tool,” says Ferreira. “Even a little creativity in young people benefits society as a whole. Through supporting this auction, patrons are not just collecting remarkable artworks but investing in the future of South African youth as they help remove financial barriers, create opportunities, and nurture potential where it might otherwise go unseen.”

Tyler adds that none of this would be possible without the project’s partners and sponsors, who help ensure maximum proceeds go towards bursaries.

This project has been made possible through the generosity, expertise, and heart of several key collaborations:

The Thinking Academy, powering thinking skills for the next generation.

The Thinking Company, creating safe spaces for diverse teams to have quality conversations.

Candice Berman Gallery, recognised as a premier destination in Johannesburg for fine art collectors from all over the world.

Noordhoek Artpoint, showcases original works by talented local artists from across the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town.

Eden Sky Productions, working to change the world, Eden Sky Productions is dedicated to bringing your story to life. Their team creates meaningful, powerful video content that carries impact, purpose, and heart.

Rebul Crating Solutions, their innovative, eco-friendly crates are truly next level, made from paper-based honeycomb boards that are lightweight, strong, and 100% recyclable.

The Courier Guy, they don’t just see parcels, they see the small business sending its first orders, the urgent documents keeping businesses running, and the gifts connecting families across provinces.

Zip Print (Fish Hoek), with their experienced staff and extensive range of digital, litho and finishing equipment, they can help you fulfil all your printing needs.

Read the publication HERE