This September, spring will usher in an outburst of colourful and cultural explosion through music, dance, theatre, visual art and cultural expressions of various forms. Communities are invited to celebrate our cultures through the arts during Heritage Month at the Arts Alive 2019 Johannesburg International Arts Festival.
The people of Joburg know that no matter how long the winter was, Spring is sure to follow. This year the Arts Alive Johannesburg International Arts Festival will launch with Jazz on the Lake Concert which welcomes spring, kicking off a long and stimulating programme for all its people. A programme that is a celebration of Joburg’s diversity through music, dance, theatre, community festivals, educational workshops and art exhibitions. The City of Joburg, Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba will launch the 27th annual edition of the Arts Alive Festival on Thursday, 29 August 2019 at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.
The festival underwrites the important role of culture for critical and active citizenry, solidarity and cultural diversity. Its flagship event Jazz on the Lake is synonymous with this and it welcomes families to enjoy outdoor picnic vibes at Zoo Lake with music that appeals to all. Jazz on the Lake will be on Spring Day ie Sunday 1 September 2019, and set the tone for an amazing festival and launch of Heritage Month.
Supported by The City of Johannesburg, Arts Alive over the years has consistently presented brilliant arts and culture events for the people of Joburg. Arts Alive 2019 will once again deliver another excellent programme.
This year’s vibrant lineup of events reaches across traditional art barriers and out to the young and old, through commercial and avant-garde spaces, ensuring that many art forms of numerous genres and their contributions are recognized while highlighting the significance of keeping the arts alive. The Arts Alive programme will once again feature something for everybody.
Some of the 2019 Arts Alive Highlights include the following and much more:
1) Jazz on the Lake: September 1 (10am – 5pm) at Zoo Lake - Entrance FREE
Jazz on the Lake, the 27th annual premier event, will feature the following artists: Michel Herrera and Madre Tierra Band (Cuba), TRC with Africa Mkhize, Tamy Moyo (Zimbabwe), Vusi Nova, Sjava, Bucie and Ami Faku.
Free Park ‘n Ride from Marks Park (Emmarentia), Killarney Mall, and Metro Centre (Braamfontein).
Free Music workshop with Michel Herrera and TRC (Afrika Mkhize). More details to follow on our social media pages.
2) 15th Inner-City High Schools Drama Festival: August 30 - September 7 at Hillbrow Theatre
The 15th Inner-City High Schools Drama Festival themed “African Futures” is a unique drama festival in Hillbrow which promises to change lives, inspire creativity and promote positive change. Learners explore ways to imagine themselves, their communities and their environment in the future, using the many languages and materials of theatre making.
3) Soweto Art Week: September 25-29 at Soweto Theatre
Soweto Art week will be running for its 6th year and the theme for 2019 is “The Revolution will be Televised”. Taking from cities such as Cape Town Art Week, Paris Art Week and New York Art Week, the Soweto Art Week promotes and celebrates township art. People can look forward to events such as the; Soweto Art and Craft Fair, Dinaledi Lifestyle Market, Art Exhibition by Silas Motse, Mofolo Jazz Night, Poetry and Hip Hop Night, Documentary Night and Seven Colours Sunday.
4) FNB Art Joburg: September 13-15 at Sandton Convention Centre
FNB Art Joburg 2019 will be bringing us new content and programming with a strong lifestyle component of the fair, encouraging visitors to further interact with the South African and African creative networks. Our very own Joburg Art Gallery will occupy the 50 m of exhibition spaces as our inaugural featured institution.
5) SEAfrica Conference: September 26-27 at Soweto Theatre
Showbiz Entertainment Africa (SEAfrica) conference will host exhibitions, workshops and networking sessions propelling it to be the ultimate business meeting place for promoters, managers, entrepreneurs, business and other role players in the entertainment industry to stay ahead of the dynamic and ever changing industry. A visit to SEAfrica exposes one to business proven approaches, trends, market disruptions, and other strategic challenges. This year’s theme is “Up your creative hustle” featuring Dr. John Kani, Slikour, Nomsa Mazwai and many more.
6) Global Dance Supreme: September 26-29 at Walter Sisulu Hall, Randburg
The first ever Africa and Inter- continental dance championship with over 15 countries participating.
7) Indigenous Gospel Festival: September 29 at Fine Town Multipurpose
Indigenous gospel music is a popular genre of music. Now in its 2nd year, this festival runs auditions to select choirs to participate in the main event.
Members of the media are invited to attend the launch of Arts Alive. Details are as follows:
Date: 29th August 2019
Time: 10:00-12:00
Venue: First Floor Foyer at Joburg Theatre
For More Information See:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoburgArtsAlive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Arts_Alive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Joburg_ArtsAlive/
Website: www.arts-alive.co.za
For Media enquiries or interviews requests or access to High Res Pictures please contact JT Comms can be sent to media@jtcomms.co.za or Tel 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of the City of Johannesburg
