Johannesburg's cultural regeneration

Work by architect Luyanda Mphalwa.

© Design Indaba

• Email
• Tweet
• Print

The Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) is reinventing itself as the cultural capital of South Africa. The Jo'burg inner city is increasingly known for its performing arts venues, galleries, studios, shows and festivals.

Many of these success stories have been driven by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). As the key implementing agent for the City of Johannesburg's urban renewal and cultural regeneration plans, the JDA aims to create an inclusive cultural identity for Johannesburg's inner city.

Part of the plans involve the wide-scale installation of public art. Public art makes the positive changes in the city visible, inspiring its residents and building confidence in its renewal.

The Newtown Cultural Precinct is one of the city's major success stories. It has evolved into a multi-purpose precinct that is home to the Dance Factory, the Market Theatre and the Market Theatre Photo Workshop. It also boasts a number of live music venues, such as the Bassline.

Today, these cultural spaces are animated by high-quality theatre, exhibitions, shows and festivals. Annual events in Newtown include the Joy of Jazz Festival, Arts Alive, the vibrant Africa Day celebrations and the Diwali Festival of Lights.

Another successful inner city project is Propertuity’s Arts on Main. Its mix of studio, commercial, residential and retail space provides a hub for Jo'burg’s creative community.

In addition to these projects, the Department of Arts and Culture is currently restoring the Windybrow Theatre in Hillbrow. Using a similar model to Newtown, it hopes to use this as a catalyst in the upgrading of the whole area.

These and other projects are documented in the City of Johannesburg's Inner City Regeneration Charter.