The City of Joburg, Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba will launch the 26th edition of the Arts Alive Festival on Friday, 31 August 2018 at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. The theme and programme for heritage month will be outlined on the day.
Well known as an event that has consistently brought in brilliant activities of arts and culture to the city, the Johannesburg Arts Alive Festival is ready to deliver yet another excellent programme showcasing the arts, across all genres.
The festival which is supported by The City of Johannesburg, is a celebration of Joburg’s diversity through events such as music, dance, theatre, community festivals, educational workshops and art exhibitions. It is a critical platform to bolster social cohesion. Arts Alive will start with its signature spring event, Jazz on the Lake at Zoo Lake on Sunday 2 September 2018. The much anticipated jazz event will usher in spring and set the tone for a sizzling summer.
This year, the festival has a huge focus on community based events for the youth with activities taking place in areas of the Inner City and the surround including Newtown and Hillbrow, as well as in other parts of the City such as Kliptown Square, Orlando, Alexandra, Rabie Ridge and Fine Town.
The Festival will also be partnering with a number of independent cultural organizations in hosting events such as Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition on 5-8 September in Newtown and The Heritage Unity Festival focusing on Urban Music on 15 September also in Newtown.
Some of the Arts Alive Highlights of 2018 include the following:
1) Jazz on the Lake at Zoo Lake: September 2: 10am – 5pm
Jazz on the Lake is a popular annual event on the Mzansi’s entertainement calendar. Artist expected to feature include Vusi Malhlasela, Oliver Mtukudzi and the The Jaziel Brothers.
2) The FNB Joburg Art Fair: September 6-9 at Sandton Convention Centre
The FNB Joburg Art Fair is Africa’s leading art event focused on contemporary art from the African Continent and the diaspora.
3) Global Dance Supreme: September 8-16 at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg
The first ever Africa and Inter- continental dance championship with over 15 countries participating.
4) The Cultural Festival: September 15 at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown 10am to midnight. First 1000 tickets collected from the venue are free, thereafter R200
Various dance and music performances for the whole family will start from 10am to 5pm and Entrance is free. Then from 6pm onwards an exciting line-up of urban artists including Kwesta, Micasa, Sketchy Bongo and various Djs will take to the stage as part of the Heritage Unity Festival.
5) Youth Creativity and Culture Expression: September 16 at Kliptown Square, Soweto
A community event that features dance, music, poetry. Special guest artist Lady Zamar.
6) Tribute to Letta Mbuli, The Living Legend: September 24 at Orlando Communal Hall, Soweto
The community of Orlando pay tribute to a South African music icon with a concert in her honour.
Members of the media are invited to attend the launch of Arts Alive. Details of the briefing are as follows:
Date : 31 August 2018
Time : 10:00-12:00
Venue : The Brickhill, First Floor Foyer at Joburg Theatre
RSVP to Ayanda Radebe ayandar@joburg.org.za
Parking will be available at Metro Centre
ENDS
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
For media enquiries or interview requests or access to high res pictures contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Distributed by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of the City of Johannesburg
