Arts Alive Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival is one of South Africa's premier cultural events, held annually in the city of Johannesburg. Since its inception in 1992, the festival has celebrated the rich and diverse artistic heritage of the city, becoming a major highlight on Johannesburg's cultural calendar. The festival spans multiple days in September and is timed to coincide with South Africa’s Heritage Month, offering an array of events and performances that showcase local and international talent.

Origins and Purpose: Arts Alive was founded with the intention of revitalizing the cultural scene in Johannesburg after the end of apartheid, as the city transitioned into a new democratic era. Its goal was to promote the arts as a means of expression, social cohesion, and a way to reflect the evolving cultural landscape of Johannesburg. Over the years, the festival has become a vital platform for artists in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and more, providing them with a space to share their work with diverse audiences.

Highlights and Features: The festival spans various artistic disciplines and features a dynamic mix of events including live music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry readings, exhibitions, and craft markets. These events take place across different venues in Johannesburg, from public spaces and community halls to galleries and theatres. The festival aims to be inclusive and accessible, with many events being free or affordably priced, making the arts available to a broad audience.

1. Live Music and Dance: One of the key attractions of Arts Alive is its strong focus on live music and dance performances. The festival traditionally hosts top local and international artists across a range of genres including jazz, hip-hop, kwaito, traditional African music, and classical. Dance performances span everything from ballet and contemporary to African traditional and urban street dance styles.

2. Theatre and Film: Theatre lovers can enjoy a variety of productions ranging from cutting-edge contemporary works to traditional plays. The festival has also featured film screenings and discussions, offering cinephiles an opportunity to engage with the best of South African and international cinema.

3. Visual Arts and Exhibitions: Arts Alive also includes a series of visual arts exhibitions, where contemporary African art is showcased. Many of these exhibitions take place in Johannesburg's galleries, as well as public art installations in the city’s streets, parks, and plazas.

4. Poetry and Literature: The festival has a strong literary component, featuring spoken word poetry, storytelling, and live readings by renowned South African authors and poets. Events like the annual "Speak the Mind" poetry session bring together the best spoken word artists in the country for an electrifying showcase of poetry and performance.

5. Community and Educational Outreach: Arts Alive emphasizes engaging with Johannesburg’s communities through its various outreach programs. These programs aim to educate, inspire, and provide opportunities for up-and-coming talent, especially in disadvantaged areas. Workshops, mentorship sessions, and creative spaces are offered to emerging artists and youth.

Venues: The festival takes place in various locations throughout Johannesburg, such as:

• Newtown Precinct: This cultural hub in the heart of Johannesburg frequently hosts many of the festival’s major performances and exhibitions.
• Johannesburg Theatre Complex: A key venue for theatre productions and musical performances.
• Mary Fitzgerald Square: Often used for large-scale music concerts and public performances.
• The Market Theatre: One of South Africa’s most iconic theatres, known for its role in anti-apartheid theatre, also participates in the festival.
• Public Parks and Streets: The festival extends into open-air spaces and public venues, making art accessible to the broader public.

Economic and Cultural Impact: Arts Alive plays a significant role in boosting tourism and local business, with thousands of visitors flocking to the city each year to enjoy the festival. It also contributes to the promotion of Johannesburg as a cultural capital within Africa and globally. The festival supports both emerging and established artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work, while also creating opportunities for collaborations and networking.

Contact details for the Arts Alive Festival:
Website: https://joburg.org.za (City of Johannesburg)
Telephone: (+27) 11 407 6111 (Johannesburg City Arts, Culture & Heritage Department)

The Johannesburg Arts Alive Festival continues to be a vibrant celebration of the arts and remains an essential part of Johannesburg's cultural identity, reflecting the energy, diversity, and creativity of the city.