Frequent questions
What events does the City of Johannesburg sponsor?
The major event sponsored by the City is the Arts Alive International Festival, which is held every September. The city's biggest arts and community cultural event, Arts Alive concentrates largely on local arts and culture but also includes an international focus where artists from Africa and elsewhere share a stage with local practitioners.
In addition, the arts and culture division of the department participates in visual and performance arts programmes in all their forms, such as music, dance, film and poetry, at venues around the city. There are local community programmes for beginners, with children and youth as the main beneficiaries.
Can I apply to have my work exhibited at your venues?
The City of Johannesburg does not run commercial galleries where artworks are offered for sale, but it does have exhibition spaces. Your application would be subject to the approval of the exhibition planning committees. Remember to apply in good time; spaces are usually booked up for at least a year ahead.
The Bensusan Museum of Photography shows the work of photographers. Contact Jonathan Frost on 011 833 5624.
Proposals are welcomed by the bigger museums, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery and MuseuMAfricA. Contact Deon van Tonder at MuseuMAfricA on 011 833 5624 or Clive Kellner at the Johannesburg Art Gallery on 011 725 3130.
There is usually no charge for exhibiting at these spaces, but you would be expected to contribute towards costs such as framing and publicity. You can also hire venues at all the museums for other events, such as launches, film shoots and conferences.
What kind of partnerships interest the department of arts, culture and heritage?
The department is interested in partnerships at all levels: community groups, non-governmental organisations, other levels of government and business. Cultural exchange programmes between South Africa and other countries are often arranged through foreign embassies.
Examples of current partnerships follow:
- The Hector Pieterson Museum was built in partnership with the Soweto History Trust and the national Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.
- MuseuMAfricA and the Johannesburg Art Gallery have an ongoing partnership with Michigan State University and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC for training, exhibition and technology exchange.
- The Anglo American Centenary Trust Fund supplies money for the Johannesburg Art Gallery to buy artworks for its collection.
- The Bensusan Museum of Photography has been sponsored by Kodak.
How can I get sponsorship for my event, project or festival?
There are no grants available for artists or projects from the City of Johannesburg. People should rather apply to the Gauteng Arts and Culture Council or the National Arts Council.
Who do I contact at the City of Johannesburg's department of arts, culture and heritage to talk about my project?
Contact the director, Steven Sack on 011 373 7502.
How do I get involved in preserving Joburg's heritage?
You may be surprised at the objects museums think are worth collecting: not only valuable artworks but items of social and historical worth. Many of them come as donations from the people of Johannesburg. Family photographs, toys, clothing, commemorative mugs, old technology or the mementos of historic events you were involved in - all can help tell the story of our past. Offer good quality items to a museum before you throw them away.
If you have an object you think may belong in a museum, contact Deon van Tonder at MuseuMAfricA on 011 373 7501 or Veliswa Gwintsa at Roodepoort Museum on 011 761 0229.
Our cultural heritage is also seen in buildings and historic sites. If you have a concern or interest in a building or site, contact Eric Itzkin on 011 373 7516/7504.
The City has published a heritage policy framework. If you would like a copy call the project manager on 011 373 7519.
If you notice a heritage building that may be falling into disrepair, call Provincial Heritage Resources of Gauteng or the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
I am not an artist or a collector but I am interested in the cultural life of my city, especially fine art. How can I join Friends of the city's galleries and museums?
If you join Friends of your favourite gallery or museum you will get newsletters, invitations, outings and an opportunity to help behind the scenes.
- Friends of MuseuMAfricA: contact Carolina Geldenhuys on 011 833 5624
- Friends of the Johannesburg Art Gallery: contact Fiona Graham on 011 720 3479
- Friends of the Roodepoort Museum: contact Anne Smart on 011 761 0229
- Friends of the James Hall Museum of Transport: contact Peter Hall on 011 435 9718
