The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Community Development launched Arts Alive on Friday, 5 September 2025. This Joburg premier creative programme returns in 2025 with a vibrant line-up of artistic offerings.
Running from August 2025 to June 2026, Arts Alive has evolved into an assemblage of artistic offerings that showcases the city’s rich arts, culture and heritage through a diverse range of programmes and festivals.
This year’s edition presents a refreshing line-up of cultural activities, including music, design, craft, comedy, dance, theatre, visual art, thought-provoking dialogues and empowering capacity-building initiatives.
“We are proud to present Arts Alive as an Assemblage of Artistic Offerings that truly reflects the creative spirit of Johannesburg. Arts Alive 2025/6 is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping our democracy and promoting social cohesion,” said Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, MMC for Community Development.
“Over the years, Arts Alive has become a powerful and innovative instrument of storytelling, bringing our history to life. A people without a positive history is like a vehicle without an engine. Arts Alive is that engine – it drives us forward by connecting us with our heritage
“Importantly, Arts Alive 2025/6 will also play a critical role in supporting the U20 and G20 Summits hosted in Johannesburg. Through cultural programming, the City will showcase its creative excellence to the world.”
Key features of the 2025/6 programme will include Jazz In The Lights, Joburg Choral, Back To the City, Indigenous Gospel Festival and the Creative Native Vintage Motor show.
Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso